spotted puffer question

[burm_mom]

Hi all
We have five spotted puffers that all appear to be healthy and are certainly eating good, the little gluttons. The only problem we're having is that their white bellies keep turning black. We have tested the ph as well as the specific gravity which all are within the appropriate range. We've also treated them for Ick which does help but as soon as we stop treatment the problem returns. Is this just a normal condition for these fish? If not, what could we do to alleviate the problem? Thanks so much for your help!

[burm_mom]

Nobody has any thoughts on the puffers??

[Sleepy_FF]

try going to aquatic terrors

[Genevieve]

My boyfreind says that its caused by stress. Too many fish or competion for food ect.. Or you may have too many puffers living together. they are known to eat each other.

[jjsmommi2]

hmm.....puffers are very susceptible to what they call 'black ich' (its not really ich, its a small black worm) sometimes they colonize to the point of appearing like a discoloration, especially on lighter areas. look close, are there teeny tiny spots?
the most reliable and easy treatment for that is a short freshwater bath that is the same ph and same temp as your aquarium water. only catch to that is that some puffers dont tolerate dips as well as some other fish.

what is the size of your aquarium, the other tank mates, your water specs and your expierience?

if these are the spotted puffers within the Arothron genus then you might want to consider adopting a few out.

[snsc808]

spotted puffers???? sp.???? Tetraodontidae???? saltwater or brackish freshwater baths will work for saltwater species within the arothron genus but it wont work for brackish water species i have never been able to keep much puffers together without almost double the hiding places and extra large space they stress each other out for competition of food the reason treating for ick works is because most ick medicines will relieve stress which is one of the main causes of ick