Blue Spotted Puffer Mouth Infection?

[puffy127]

I've had this guy for about 4 years. I noticed that he has been looking a little skinnier than usual the last few weeks. I took a closer look and am concerned he may have an infection on his mouth. He still swims around normally and eats, but perhaps not as vigorously as before. What do you all think? It looks like algae on his mouth.

 

[Frtdrmrose7]

That looks like an injury to me, do you have a QT available? If so you could dose Kanaplex and Furan 2 or NFG (preferred) if you have it.

 

[Frtdrmrose7]

In between the DT and QT you could also do a 90min Ruby Reef Rally bath (acriflavin antiseptic).

 

[Big G]

For mouth infections I like Sulfaplex aka Triple Sulfa as a first treatment. It's very gentle on the fish's digestive system. And as you have posted, your puffer looks thin to you. It's probably from the discomfort when feeding. But Triple Sulfa won't make any digestive situations worse.

 

[Frtdrmrose7]

^^ I agree, Sulfaplex might be better

 

[puffy127]

Thanks. I'll try to catch him when he goes to sleep tonight. Dose Triple Sulfa everyday for 10 days?

 

[puffy127]

Well, I've treated him with Triple Sulfa for 10 days and no improvement. I also started a treatment of Sulfaplex for a more concentrated dose of sulfathiazole. Nearing 10 days of that and no improvement. Still has the algae stuff sticking out of his mouth.

Should I try the trifecta?

 

[drstardust]

I'd go with the Trifecta at this point. If you haven't done an acriflavine bath that would be a good idea too.

 

[puffy127]

I've done the acriflavin bath, and coming up on 10 days of the trifecta. Still has the algae looking thing sticking out of his mouth. Anything else I should try? Could it be fungal?

 

[puffy127]

So I tried 10 days Triple Sulfa, 10 days sulfaplex, acriflavin bath, 10 days trifecta and none of it worked. He was really unhappy in the HT and did not each much. After 2 months in the HT, I returned him to the DT and he was happier and eating, but still thinning away and the green algae-like stuff was still there. Now, 4 months later, he is still thinning and the algae-like stuff on his mouth is getting worse. Debating whether to catch him again, but do not know how to treat him. @Humblefish, any thoughts?