Yesterday evening I noticed something sticking out of my figure-eight puffer’s face.
At first, I thought it was a partially decayed plant stem, but I no longer think so. I am afraid it is a piece of my fish!
I tried to pull it out, but there was no give, and I was afraid to apply more than gentle pressure. It seems anchored tightly. I can hold one end like a leash. I would have thought it was plant matter, except it did not fall apart when I pulled on it & did not come loose either.
My little guy is less than 2 inches long, and the “stick/fiber” is one inch. It almost looks like it is jammed up his nose or in his mouth. He is so small it is hard to tell. The “stick/fiber” looks similar to a decomposing plant stem; almost like a piece of straw which has separated into fibers, similar to an unraveled or frayed string, except it its color ranges from translucent to white.
He seems to be behaving normally and seemed eager for me to feed him this morning, although I couldn’t wait to see if he can eat.
Any advice would be appreciated… please!
Should I pull on it more?
Should I cut it off? (I can’t be sure, but it doesn’t seem like a feeler)
Should I leave it alone?
He is alone in the tank, except for a small chinese algae eater.
How could a piece of his face become grated off in 1 day?
I really can’t take him to the vet… and I think they will just yank on it or cut it off anyway…
