Puffer in need of help!

Just a small note on keeping your puffers teeth worn down: I have been experimenting with a theory with my South American puffers. I have started to pour their supper onto a large rough flat piece of rock and as they pick the bloodworms and shrimp off the rock their teeth are being slowly worn down. I have been testing this theory for about 6 months now, since I performed my last bit of dentristy, and it seems to be keeping the growth in check. It will not wear down any existing overgrowth, but there is no evident growth in the 2 whose teeth I trimmed last time.
 
snails for puffers

Florida puffers are naturally drawn to snails for food. Even snails that fall from the mangrove trees and float at the top of the tank. They recognize the shell shape that they are familiar with from the variety of species available to them from the ocean floor. If your puffer doesn't recognize the snail as food, try crushing it first to get the puffer interested. From there, the puffer will learn to try to suck the snail from the shell. I have had many puffers collected here in the Keys, and they come to the top of the tank immediately and suck the animal right from the shell, the same with sinking snails from the ocean.
 
hi,

I've been looking for a method of trimming my SA puffer's teeth for ages. This info is great I will be trying the clove oil method this weekend. Has anyone had any deaths or major problems doing it this way?

cheers
 
I do not recommend using clove oil on a weak, emaciated fish. It will not come back from being tranqed.
 
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