Puffer Injured, now infected?

[sbpbasme76]

One of my porcupine puffers got its head sucked on by a a powerhead and at first it just looked like he had a bump on his head but now the skin on his head has peeled off and he it looks like he has a white helmet! He is eating fine, swimming around a lot, nothing seems to be wrong except for the fact that his head is really white and the spines on coming out from that area are sticking straight up! Is he infected or is it just healing? Any ideas on treatment if its possible to treat for this type of injury? Thank you!

[OrionGirl]

IME, puffer wounds turn white, and then slowly heal back in. With a wound of that scope, it will probably take a long time to fully heal. Make sure to keep the water quality up, and watch for possible infection. If it becomes infected, the fish will likely quit eating and it's behavior will change--slow down, hiding, etc. They are pretty hardy, though, and usually heal quickly.

[VoodooChild]

Make sure he's getting a good healthy diet. Have you done something with the powerhead to prevent it from happening again, or was it just one of those puffer curiousity freak accidents?

[sbpbasme76]

OrionGirl, thanks for the info!


Voodoo Child, I am now using a powerhead that is not as strong but i dont know how well the water quality will be without the right kind of circulation!Any ideas on how to block it off so that it still does its job but isnt a threat to any fish?

[VoodooChild]

Your best bet is to rubber band some sort of pre-filter sponge over it, or rig up something like a plastic grate over it. Keep on an eye on this, and you may have to clean it often (the pre-filter), as it will dirty up quickly.