Inflated Puffer 2/08/04
Hi, Pufferpunk to the rescue!
I recently purchased a spiny puffer, and when they put him into the bag to take home he injected some air.
Yes, puffers cannot be caught with a net. They must be caught with a bucket for that exact reason. Never mind, trying to get those spines out of a net!
How do I burp him? I've tried holding him mouth up in the water and massaging his back, but he just inflates. The air is trapped back by his tail. Please Help!
Puffing is a defense mechanism brought on by fear and stress. It is not good for your puffer to inflate itself. Never take your puffer out of the water! It can puff with air and may never recover. I have had some success in ââ"šÂ¬Ã…"œburpingââ"šÂ¬Ã‚ a puffer, by holding it vertically, head up, completely under water and gently shaking it by itââ"šÂ¬Ã¢"žÂ¢s tail until the air is released. You can also try stroking it's belly, trying to bring the trapped air towards it's mouth. It's ok if it puffs again under water, because the water will replace the air & can be more easily released by the fish. A puffer with air inside cannot right itself and will die.
thank you.
Good luck
