Puffing Up Ok?

[bluenoze85]

Today my figure 8 puffed up in his tank and i can assure you that there was no danger around him. Can anybody explain to me why he might have puffed up and if it is safe for him to puff up?

 

[Tommo]

When puffers inflate under water it is generally safe, as this is what they have evolved to do. Keep your eye on him though, to check he doesnt get in any trouble. If you have any other fish in there make sure they do not attack him in his vulnerable state. Normally they will deflate quite quickly if all is well.

They inflate for a variety of reasons, other than a predator, sometimes purely due to shock or stress.

 

[Feral123]

from what ive been told it is not goot for them to puff up because it makes it harder for them to breath. maybe you culd have startled it or it might be hungry and its trying to get your attention to feed it?

 

[bluenoze85]

There are no other fish in the tank. It did deflate very quickly. He puffed up in front of my girlfriend and then when she shouted me and i came in the room he started to deflate. Maybe he doesnt like the look of her

 

[Feral123]

lol, her face might have scared him

 

[Orbit887]

There are no other fish in the tank. It did deflate very quickly. He puffed up in front of my girlfriend and then when she shouted me and i came in the room he started to deflate. Maybe he doesnt like the look of her

I assume water stats are all ok?

 

[Tommo]

lol, better keep her away from that post! As i mentioned, normally if under water it is quite safe and they deflate rapidly.

But, it would still be a good idea to keep your eye on him to check that he is not showing any other signs of stress, however it seems likely that the problem is over.

 

[bluenoze85]

yes water stats are fine but i am going to keep a good check on them over the next few days

 

[Fella]

May well have just been practicing. Just keep an eye on him