Mota feeding suggestions...

My mota is turning out to be a very finicky eater. I've had no success with all the other stuff my other CA/SA's love. Here's what I've tried so far-
Hikari Biogold pellets
Tetra cichlid sticks (everyone's favorite, hands down)
Hikari Cichlid Staple pellets
Tetra Color Flakes
Wardley Shrimp pellets (sinking formula)
San Francisco Bay Frozen Brine Shrimp

He eats none of this. The only thing he has eaten that I know of is some Tetra Freeze Dried Bloodworms. I don't know if I remember correctly or not, but I thought I once heard feeding too many bloodworms can lead to a bowel obstruction. Is this true? What should I try offering him that he might enjoy? He's about 6 1/2" long, by the way. I've had him about a week.

As always, thanks in advance for any and all help and/or suggestions. And thanks for this great forum.

And, here's a shot of the mota in question from the other day...


Also, it's been suggested that this mota is a 'regular' mota instead of the Red Tiger Mota. All I can find through searching for Parachromis motaguense is the Red Tiger variant. If anyone can help me with information about the 'regular' mota, I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks again.

I almost forgot, I think he ate a Rosey Red feeder or two the other day. But, I don't like to offer those very often because of health issues. I like to give them once and a while to remind these stone cold killers what they were made for, lol.

So, come on with any and all suggestions. Thanks once again.

ewok;1182614; said:

just let the fish do his thing. he will come around eventually. no worries...

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Thanks guys for the responses. I guess I probably have unreasonable expectations. All the others started eating within a day or two. I'm too impatient, lol. I want them to get beastly.

Modest_Man;1182589; said:

Have you tried earthworms? Mine went absolutely crazy for them.

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Are you talking about like nightcrawlers, like for fishing? If so, I'll give that a shot on Tuesday. The gun shop that also caters to fishing is closed on Sundays and Mondays, the owner is a preacher, lol.

This might be a stupid question but, how do you prepare them for feeding? I imagine one should wash the dirt off or something. Should I cut them up or give them whole?

Thanks again everyone.