Puffer concerns...Please help!!

[dward254]

Hello,

We just purchased an 8" Guinea Fowl Puffer and we are having some major concerns. The fish store assured us that she was most definetely eating. However, she hasn't done much more than taken a bite of a piece of shrimp (she didn't eat it though ) in the last 72 hrs..

Even more concerning, was this sac-like object protruding from the anus which eventually retracted. I did a little research and think it may be a prolapsed rectum. Has anyone ever encountered this and what can I do to help our poor puffer. It has been frustrating trying to get her to eat. She is a bit on the thin side, but, the owner said it was because his employees don't feed the fish as much as they should. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[OrionGirl]

What all have you offered her? Puffers can be fussy and refuse many foods. How long have you had her? My bridled burr refused food for about 3 weeks when I first got him, but I kept patiently offering shell-on shrimp, and now he's a huge pig. Did they say what she was eating? Did you see her eat at the store?

Prolapsed rectums usually heal on their own as long as the exposed bits don't become infected, so the fish should be okay, but you'll want to offer a few small meals, instead of one large one, each week to prevent recurrance.

[dward254]

Hello,

Congrats, by the way.

The store said she was eating krill and coctail shrimp. I think she may have eaten a piece of shrimp while we were decided whether or not to take her home (I didn't actually see her eat it, one minute it was there and the next it was gone). But, we've offered her coctail shrimp, krill, silversides, and live ghost shrimp. I've even been dosing with a little bit of Garlic Extreme to try and stimulate her appetite. But, she hasn't done anymore than take a bite of something and leave it alone.

We've only had her for about 3 days now but, I wanted to do everything I could before it was too late.

As for the second problem, I haven't had much luck researching it. There just isn't much out there. So, I'm glad to hear that it will heal on it's own.

Any suggestions or "tricks of the trade" are greatly appreciated. Thank-you.

[OrionGirl]

Patience. As long as her tummy isn't really sucked up, she will be fine for a few days without eating. If you can, use a feeder stick, so you can 'fight' her for it--the pulling away will stimulate her to pull back. Also sometimes helps if there's another fish in the tank--sort of a monkey-see, monkey-do situation. Keep offering food, removing it if she doesn't eat it within a few minutes. I finally had to offer food by hand--a hazardous situation, since the puffer (and his tankmate trigger) now associate hands with food--only the trigger has drawn blood, but both are very nippy now.

[dward254]

I had to do that with my lionfish and eel. The eel will now only eat from my hand. But, knock on wood, no bloodshed. Anyway, thanks for the advice. I just needed some reassurance. I've successfully kept a couple of puffers and hadn't ever had any problems with them not eating. Usually the other way around. Thank-you. :)

[dward254]

GOOD NEWS!!!!

Patience and good husbandry do pay off! Thanks for the reassurance. She finally ate tonight and, eat she did. She started going after everything I put in the tank. Thanks again.

[OrionGirl]

:) Always good to see them munching, ain't it?