Imo, that fish is going to be fine. Correct me if Im wrong, but puffers can shed a lot of mucus for a fish right? That is probably what you are seeing peeling off, rather than actual skin (although im sure he felt the actual sting, thus leading to welts/sweling and an escape response). Are GSPs toxic? might want to think about water changes if they are... i know a lot of puffers secrete toxins when they are stressed enough.

They can shed a LOT of mucus but I have seen that before and I don't think this is that. Its actually flaking off in pieces. I caught some in a net and removed them just now...seems like skin to me. Its hard to tell in the pics but his skin underneath is a slightly different color as well. Kind of like how peoples skin is if you loose a layer...I could be wring though.

They are somewhat toxic but only to eat. No puffers can actually secrete toxins as far as I know. Just the close relative, box fish. They just have toxins in some their organs and can be lethal if ingested. I am pretty sure the secretion of toxins is a rumor. I have had some extremely stressed puffers in tanks over the years and they never kill tanks with toxins.

I could be wrong though...

I agree with you gsp...i dont think puffers can secrete toxin. however, wild caught puffers such as freshwater south american puffers do have toxins in their skins. I remember a fellow in riverfront did not know he had a small cut in his hand and took out a dead SA puff and he had a mild reaction...numbness from the same hand up to the shoulder. It went away after a few hours.

Jonah

Js

I would like to suggest that you start soaking the food in selcon and garlic extract for the next little while to bump up its immunity to any possible pathogens in the tank.

I actually do that already but I will add even more for a bit. Thanks.

I'm glad your fish is ok, it's horrible when they don't make it.

OMG!!! The title of this post scared me half to death! Although I was relieved to see your fish was hurt, I know how important the little guy is to you. I am so glad that he is just fine. You have had some pretty rotten losses and this one would have been awful. I'm so glad he made it, and your carpet nem is going right away. I might have been mad enough to throw it in the garbage, even though it is not the nem's fault for doing what it does I suppose.

I am so gald your GSP is okay!!!

Oh I considered the blender when I saw what it had done to Don Juan. I was more sad then ****ed though.

Tonight he actually seems to be really stressed. I am kind of worried again. His skin looks better but he is breathing rather hard and won't leave a corner of the tank.

:cry:

Wow, that is a major sting! I'm sure he'll pull through though Justin, they are tough little buggers! Maybe turn down the flow in the tank so he doesn't have to work as hard?

I know you won't be sleeping tonight... Maybe try some snacks here and there to see if you can cheer him up. I don't have any advise for you, since I am always going to you for it instead. I am sending good karma your way, you certainly deserve it.