Air bubble stuck in my puffer

[blaze4300]

Well while acclimating my new 7 inch puffer he inflatd and now has an air bubble caught inide him. Any ideas on how to get it out with causing the least stress to the puffer?

 

[Konadog]

This may sound funny, but is it possible to catch him and point him up so the air escapes ?

I would think it will work it's way out durring feedings over the next few days.

 

[petermai]

i have that problem sometimes when my niger take food at the surface but he farts air bubbles and i think it's absolutely hilarious!

 

[Puffer Queen]

This can be a life threatening event, especially if it doesn't evacuate and causes pressure or necrosis. This is very stressful to the puffer and can cause many problems (altered immune response, hemorrhage, bowel obstruction, etc)

I would recommend not stressing the puffer any by squeezing, or trying to get it to reinflate.

I would place the puffer in a large critter box (available at most pet shops) - make sure you get one that is vented or has vented lid. Weight the box with the puffer on the bottom. You can use live rock, tank decorations, whatever. I have had good success with this and only on rare occassions have had to use anesthesia and manually remove the air with a hypodermic needle.

Best of luck,
Kelly