Feeding my Red Tail Payaras

[Cabinetman 1]

Hi I just got a pair of Red Tail Payaras. I need to know the best food for them. The only live food in the area are feeder gold fish. I can't get shiners as I live in Washington state. I will try and get them on tilapia asap, but might need some advice on the process. Thank you!!

 

[Lobonator]

Hey man, I had a couple a year or so ago. And they were really difficult to break off live, and I ended up losing them in the process.

 

[Lugal]

I used to have one that died long ago. It ate frozen shrimp though.

 

[OnceLoyal]

Get a clear prong. Stab a longer piece and gently wave it around. You can also make sure you drop pieces in from of the water flow to give it a little motion. People have used fishing line also. Obviously make darn sure the tie off is not tight at all and will not tighten into a loop so it doesn't accidentally get caught on a tooth.
Minot sure about the details, but that's how I did the Armatus minus the string.

 

[OnceLoyal]

Btw I later started stuffing the strips of tilapia with pellets if I didn't have the time to vary their diet much.

 

[Cabinetman 1]

Btw I later started stuffing the strips of tilapia with pellets if I didn't have the time to vary their diet much.

Thanks I will give it a try.

 

[krichardson]

Cut the tilapia into strips to resemble shiners or minnows and toss them into the tank....near the filter output,as previously mentioned.The movement will get their attention and they should eventually begin to take the strips.

 

[Cabinetman 1]

Cut the tilapia into strips to resemble shiners or minnows and toss them into the tank....near the filter output,as previously mentioned.The movement will get their attention and they should eventually begin to take the strips.

Thanks, how low will they hold out without food before giving in. Or in other words how long should I hold out before giving in?lol

 

[krichardson]

I don't remember how long mine took but I don't think it was more than a week or so