One fish had a long white trail in its poo but it ate a giant piece of shrimp that night so not sure which it is. I did treat with prazipro three days ago and the puffer had a little more energy yesterday but still won’t attempt to eat. His beak doesn’t appear overgrown and he always bites on clam shells and rock to dull it down so I don’t think that’s it. My water parameters show no ammonia, nitrates or nitrites and my ph was at 8.2. Salinity is 1.023.
His body doesn’t show anything out of the ordinary except his colorings a little darker and the line on his belly that’s isually light grey was darker. I did have a squirrelfish that I rehomed due to it stressing him and other fish out at night after 6 months of having him so some possibilities are stress, parasite, ich attack treatment, maybe a piece of food was contaminated from the seafood counter... something in the water.. I’m stumped since he doesn’t show any clear signs.
Please let me know any info I didn’t provide that may help in his diagnosis. I have read about puffers being force fed with luck and since he’s so small idk if that’s a good route to take. I have a syringe and can soak food in vitamins but is it worth trying to catch him and attempt this? I’ll upload a picture of his belly to show the dark line which I hope helps. Since he’s in he back hiding and not moving tonight is probably his last night for treatment and I’d rather attempt feeding him and seeing if he can gain his strength back if an experienced fish keeper thinks that’s worth trying.