Fire Eel problems.

samtoney45

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Hello all, yesterday I obtained a baby (its about 3 inches,) Fire Eel. It has not eaten yet. I understand that it probably is exceptionally stressed about the move. I'm planning on buying some bloodworms for it today and feeding some to him at night. Would this be wise?
 

kno4te

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Can try the bloodworms but try to make sure it’s gets on a varied diet.
 
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Rocksor

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Bloodworms is a good way to get it eating, which is really important for new fish. I would also add other types of food like cut up silversides or fillet pieces. The key is that the food offered should be easily swallowed.

Also, keep the tank lights above the tank off. Having it dimmer in the tank will make it feel more secure about venturing out during the day time.
 
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1 2many

Piranha
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Bloodworms are good to start with but don’t offer them exclusively. Provide other options like flakes, spirulina brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and plankton. Also provide plenty of cover/hides for it to feel secure.
 

DrownedFishonFire

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I mixed bloodworms with mysis shrimp and brine shrimp when mine was that size. Have fun!
 

samtoney45

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Nov 5, 2021
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Bloodworms is a good way to get it eating, which is really important for new fish. I would also add other types of food like cut up silversides or fillet pieces. The key is that the food offered should be easily swallowed.

Also, keep the tank lights above the tank off. Having it dimmer in the tank will make it feel more secure about venturing out during the day time.
I worry that when I go to feed it later tonight, all the other fish will eat the food before the bichir can get any, is there any solution to this?
 

Rocksor

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I worry that when I go to feed it later tonight, all the other fish will eat the food before the bichir can get any, is there any solution to this?
Use a hollow pipe like PVC to direct the BW to the eel. Basically the BW sinks and lands in front of the eel's face.
 
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samtoney45

Exodon
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Nov 5, 2021
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Use a hollow pipe like PVC to direct the BW to the bichir. Basically the BW sinks and lands in front of the bichir's face.
Thanks, great idea. I know I ask a lot of questions, but I suppose I should wait for it to be visible outside, shouldn't I.
 

Rocksor

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Thanks, great idea. I know I ask a lot of questions, but I suppose I should wait for it to be visible outside, shouldn't I.
If it's in a cave, drop it in front of the cave opening. Basically, just try to get it as close to the eel as possible. They have a good sense of smell
 
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