Black belly on lined burrfish

[Fennel]

Why did it's belly go dark? Did it injure itself somehow or is it going toxic from stress? I hope it lives but they are notoriously difficult to keep alive because they stop eating.. Thank You in advance for any help on this. I think it may of got itself on reef rock adjusting and acclimating. Only had it a few days. I think it's eating, but idk. Only time will tell. Fish only tank. I definitely glove up to do maintenance..

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

While burrfish are not as hardy as porcupinefish, if quarantined properly, they aren't too bad. However, they arrive with all manner of internal and external parasites, and needed to be treated for those issues.

I don't see any major issue with its belly color, but you not being able to confirm if it is feeding is an issue. If you stand back from the tank, in a darkened room when you feed, and it doesn't actively go after the food, then it isn't feeding normally.

What other fish are in with it and how are they?

Here is a link to my current quarantine protocol:

Current Quarantine Protocol

2024 Quarantine Procedures Jay Hemdal David Scarborough Protozoans (Cryptocaryon/ich, Amyloodinium/velvet) and Metazoan trematodes/flukes are by far the most common parasites found on newly acquired fish. A carefully managed, proactive quarantine process can effectively eliminate these...

www.reef2reef.com

Jay

 

[Fennel]

While burrfish are not as hardy as porcupinefish, if quarantined properly, they aren't too bad. However, they arrive with all manner of internal and external parasites, and needed to be treated for those issues.

I don't see any major issue with its belly color, but you not being able to confirm if it is feeding is an issue. If you stand back from the tank, in a darkened room when you feed, and it doesn't actively go after the food, then it isn't feeding normally.

What other fish are in with it and how are they?

Here is a link to my current quarantine protocol:

Current Quarantine Protocol

2024 Quarantine Procedures Jay Hemdal David Scarborough Protozoans (Cryptocaryon/ich, Amyloodinium/velvet) and Metazoan trematodes/flukes are by far the most common parasites found on newly acquired fish. A carefully managed, proactive quarantine process can effectively eliminate these...

www.reef2reef.com

Jay

Thank you. I am treating it for velvet. It came from Petco. It is very active, constantly swimming but cannot make it down to the bottom of a 20 gal quarantine tank. I have damsels in with it, stacked up reef rock with caves and crevices for them to hide. The damsels are alive, well, and eating fine so I assume the burrfish hasn't gone toxic. Is tetrodotoxin a big risk with burrfish? I was under the assumption that as long as you wear gloves and of course don't eat it, it's fine and poses little risk. It went after a piece of krill but couldn't quite get it.. it bit at it, like it does the glass. Just seems like it is a little stir crazy. Idk. Thank you btw.

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

Burrfish are toxic to eat, but not an issue to handle. They also don’t release toxins into the water like boxfish do.
The clue that it can’t swim to the bottom of the tank may be important. This species ingests air when removed from the water. They then have trouble releasing it - I wonder if it has swallowed air?
What are you treating it with?
Jay

 

[Fennel]

He (it) just ate!! I had to kind of tick it off, got it to puff up a few times and shrink.. then it started eating. Nox-ich.. it what I have on hand right now for it. ..after lightly pressing on it with a long closed pair of forceps kind of getting it stuck gently against the glass, it puffed up and deflated quickly upon release.. now it swims to the bottom fine, I think it was just chasing it's reflection or enjoys the current or something and didn't sink to the bottom. I was thinking swim bladder issue.. but hopefully not. It can pile away some krill.. Ty! what a relief, as tetrodotoxin creeps me out. So much better to know I don't have to worry about it. What an adorable little critter!