Puffer with tiny brown flea-like critters all over

[diannef]

My grey dog-faced puffer has tiny brown flea-like critters all over him. He's very uncomfortable and hovers in front of a jet or the intake. Tried a 10-minute freshwater dip which didn't seem to give him any relief.

Anyone have any ideas? Can't find a disease to match his symptoms.

Thanks,
Dianne

 

[Hattie B]

Hi Dianne,

Welcome to RC.

Can you post a pic of your fish..

If you can see these 'bugs', how big are they?

Is he in a QT or your main tank?

It could be a parasite and depending on what kind of can dicitate treatment. (although, i am suprised that a FW dip you saw no improvement at all?)

 

[fingersdlp]

I have heard of puffers shedding their slime coat related to diet deficiencies - fatty liver disease? Hope that is not it.

Here is an article that talks about it:

http://www.porcupinepuffer.com/puffers/index.htm