He has spots on him that look furry. Could he have been attacked overnight or is he sick? I've only had him/her for 2 weeks. I watch them every day to look for signs of anything out of the norm, and this morning was the first time he had any marks on him. What should I do? If he's sick does he need to go into another tank, or will a bowl work? Ever since he joined the tank my puffer has also been acting funny. My puffer just sits on the bottom or on a rock. He doesn't have any marks like the gobi, but it's not normal for him.
2007-03-17 14:34:06 · 2 answers · asked by Michelle C 3 in Pets ➔ Fish
It is one of two things, Columnaris or fungus.
The best way to tell them apart is that columnaris always grows in a very round circular spot while fungus rarely does. Columnaris is also pearly or opalescent white while fungus is a flatter, grayish white.
Columnaris: it can occur anywhere on the fishes body and there have been documented lab cases of it being a systemic, or body wide infection. It's not real easy to treat as it only responds well to a very limited number of antibiotics. The best treatment for columnaris is Furanace. It is the only known antibiotic that will treat both the surface and internal parts of the infection and the only one that will treat it if it becomes systemic. Other treatments are usually very harsh and include copper sulfate, potassium permanganate and Oxolinix acid. Treat with Furanace for 2 weeks to be sure you are rid of the disease.
Fungus - Hopefully this is what you have and odds are good it is. Fungus is easy to treat and responds well to common Malachite green ick medications. There are several fungus medications that also contain Malachite Green and work very well. Treat until you have seen no signs of the disease for 5 days.
Warning: Malachite Green is a known carcinigen so be very careful to keep it off your skin!
Hope this helps
MM
2007-03-17 14:48:05 · answer #1 · answered by magicman116 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The puffer will attack other fish. Not saying that is the problem though. You can try contacting the place where you got your dragon eel and explain to them what is happening. Our dragon fish hides most of the time.
2007-03-17 14:42:11 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋