Thats what i have been trying to do to get him on them
It's a pain when they are small. Try mixing in freeze dried blood worms with the frozen (assuming u are feeding frozen) then small floating pellets. Why I don't buy them small any more too much work. It's so nice when they get to the point that they eat anything.
Are u keeping ur water level low? Helps with the fear they are skiddish at that siZe
Floating plants do wonders as well some floating stem plants just throw the food in and can take his time to find it
Also find a tank mate that won't hurt them but has a large appetite helps get them motivated to eat more
Guppies will last awhile idk might nip but I never had a problem. They work well cause he will dispose of them after they are done serving their purpose....clown loaches work as well and will probably be fine long term too never had a problem even when loaches are smaller.
