EDIT: Picture can be found here:
thereeftank.com/gallery/showimage.php?i=21741&c=504. You'll have to copy & paste.
Thanks HD Fatboy.
Hi,
New guy here. Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated. Attached is a picture of Biscuit, my ailing
puffer. I noticed that his throat was a little
swollen 6 days ago. 5 days ago he nibbled at some food, but did not eat any. He (she?) has not attempted to eat since, most unusual behavior for Biscuit. Since that time the swelling in his throat has grown to about 5x the size it was when I first noticed it and appears to continue to grow. The lack of food is starting to show. 2 days ago I tried "burping" him to dislodge any foreign objects. Surprisingly he welcomed the interaction, swam right into my hand like he knew I was trying to help. When I stroked the swollen spot it didn't feel like coral or shell, it felt fibrous, like it was attached. Nothing was evacuated. I don't know what else to do, and appeal for any help you may have to offer. He's been in the tank for 2.5 years, a happy, healthy and hearty eater. The lump is clearly visible in the photo.
I do bi-weekly water changes and the tank has been established for 13 years. I just tested the water with the following results:
NO2 = 0.3 ppm
ammonia = 0 ppm
pH = 8.1
SG = 1.022
If I left anything out please ask. Thank you for your time and consideration. I've gotta say I love this little guy.
Mike
