Blue Porcupine Puffer - Flukes?

[AquAttila]

Hi, need to identify what this maybe on my puffer(see attached pic - fins show some white spots). I probably had for about a week now and showing some interest in food... picking very small bits, but not like it should IMO. I did break my rule of having all fish I put in my DT go through QT, but this one I got from someone I trust vs. LFS. I know puffers also don't take well to medications so thought I put directly in my tank.

To me it looks to be possible flukes? if this is the case, should I pull and do fresh water dip? I am a bit worried on medicating with Prazi, but would like some opinions.

Thanks

 

[TerraFerma]

Tough to tell from the pic but a round of Prazi shouldn’t hurt him. Copper isn’t great for puffers but I’ve had some survive a course. Wouldn’t want to risk copper on a blue though!

 

[Uncle99]

The lack of appetite is cause for concern, we see that often associated with ick or velvet.

Maybe @Jay Hemdal could help.

 

[AquAttila]

Thanks for the response... yes, this being a rare puffer and not cheap, I am reluctant on treating and dying in my QT. However, it has not shown too much interest in food and that is a concern. So instead of fresh water dip, round of Prazi would be better?

 

[ReefHog]

Freshwater dip should confirm flukes.

 

[TerraFerma]

Either or. I think a Prazi dip with an airstone in the bucket/tank would be easier on the fish. If they are flukes they will drop off in the first hour or so of the dip.

I'm not sure if the external flukes would explain his lack of appetite. That's usually more an internal parasite thing.

 

[fullnewview]

How’s your puffer doing now ?

 

[AquAttila]

unfortunately the puffer died. crazy I cannot seem to keep puffers. It was doing good for a week or so, eating and then just died.

 

[fullnewview]

unfortunately the puffer died. crazy I cannot seem to keep puffers. It was doing good for a week or so, eating and then just died.

So sorry to hear that, I recently got one a few weeks ago came in with ich currently in my QT, the method of treatment I'm doing is hypo salinity within 4-5 days no sign of ich at all. I have a thread if you would like to see the progress for future treatment.

 

[AquAttila]

thanks. yes, please send me the thread as I like to check it out. I am always worried about treating puffers with any meds, etc.

 

[fullnewview]

thanks. yes, please send me the thread as I like to check it out. I am always worried about treating puffers with any meds, etc.

Thread 'Infected Porcupine Puffer can anyone help out ?'
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/infected-porcupine-puffer-can-anyone-help-out.835701/

 

[fullnewview]

From the information I've gathered puffers are sensitive to medication, of course hypo salinity doesnt treat everything so sometimes medication will be required depending on the issue.