Large white spots on porcupine puffer

[Lunalux]

I have an otherwise healthy puffer that's about 5 inches long that just started showing these spots on his back today. He was perfectly fine yesterday and was eating with his normal huge appetite. Water parameters are normal and all his tank mates are not showing any signs of disease. He's been laying on the bottom in a cave breathing heavily today which is unusual for him. My research has me thinking maybe a sub dermal bacterial infection from an injury?

Any help diagnosing this would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance!

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

Yes, that does seem to be a bacterial infection, and the rapid breathing means it is systemic. The quick onset is a very bad sign; antibiotics take time to work, but this is moving fast.
Can you move it to a treatment tank? Do you have any antibiotics on hand?
Jay

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

I have an otherwise healthy puffer that's about 5 inches long that just started showing these spots on his back today. He was perfectly fine yesterday and was eating with his normal huge appetite. Water parameters are normal and all his tank mates are not showing any signs of disease. He's been laying on the bottom in a cave breathing heavily today which is unusual for him. My research has me thinking maybe a sub dermal bacterial infection from an injury?

Any help diagnosing this would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance!

Sorry, two more questions...
No chance another fish was picking on it? How long have you had the fish?
Jay

 

[Lunalux]

I do not have any on hand tonight unfortunately. I can set up a treatment tank but wouldn't be able to get medicine until tomorrow.

 

[Lunalux]

Sorry, two more questions...
No chance another fish was picking on it? How long have you had the fish?
Jay

He's the biggest fish in the tank by far so no one really messes with him. And I've had him over 6 months now.

 

[Lunalux]

He's the biggest fish in the tank by far so no one really messes with him. And I've had him over 6 months now.

Turns out the local petco is open (they had reduced hours until recently and all the reef stores close before 7) so I'm gonna try and grab an antibiotic there.

 

[Lunalux]

Turns out they have the, 'herbal non chemical remedy' type stuff not actual antibiotics like the actual fish shops have, so I'll have to go by there tomorrow unfortunately.

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

Hopefully you can locate some true antibiotics: the Seachem line is good. Missing that, you could try Maracyn 2.

Jay