Puffer fish question

[knowthemath]

This morning, I found my puffer hiding behind a powerhead. I thought he was dead. He was really puffed out. I'm sure he was stressed because the salinity of my water was too high.

My question is .....was he puffed because of the stress....was this a defense mechanism to protect himself???

I love my puffer. He's like having a pet dog. Comes to the front of the tank as soon as he sees me. I'm having terrible guilt over my carelessness.

 

[OrionGirl]

Puffers will puff when stressed, and when scared. Don't have one now, but had a burrfish that puffed a couple times--once he just got scared by a sudden movement, and also when handled. Puffing is stressful, and should be avoided when possible. Puffers are very sensitive to water conditions, and very prone to skin diseases when in poor conditions. I wouldn't have one in a tank that wasn't cycled and stable.

 

[knowthemath]

My water conditions were good until I let the salinity get too high. I may not be cycling correctly, but that's another thread. I will be watching him closely for any more signs of stress and do a little research about their skin. Hopefully getting the salinity back in line will take care of the stress. Thanks.