Senegal Bichirs Suddenly Stopped Eating

[SilverLoachRam]

Hi all, 3 weeks ago I posted about getting my new bichirs, since that post they have been eating well and growing noticeably. Last night the smaller of the two didn't eat or even go out looking for food like he normally does. Tonight neither of them went out looking for food although they did move between different plants resting. Everyone else is good and parameters are normal. (Incase anyone wants Ammonia 0ppm, nitrites, 0ppm, nitrates 5ppm).

The larger one is about the size of a roll of smarties just a little bit less round and the smaller one is about 15% smaller than the larger one. If it was any other fish I wouldn't be worried but because this is my first time keeping polypterus and they are both small, I am probably just worrying to much.

Is there anything I should do? I've read about polypterus going on "food strikes" but I just worry when they're as small as they are.

Thanks to anyone that can help, SilverLoachRam

 

[kno4te]

Hi all, 3 weeks ago I posted about getting my new bichirs, since that post they have been eating well and growing noticeably. Last night the smaller of the two didn't eat or even go out looking for food like he normally does. Tonight neither of them went out looking for food although they did move between different plants resting. Everyone else is good and parameters are normal. (Incase anyone wants Ammonia 0ppm, nitrites, 0ppm, nitrates 5ppm).

The larger one is about the size of a roll of smarties just a little bit less round and the smaller one is about 15% smaller than the larger one. If it was any other fish I wouldn't be worried but because this is my first time keeping polypterus and they are both small, I am probably just worrying to much.

Is there anything I should do? I've read about polypterus going on "food strikes" but I just worry when they're as small as they are.

Thanks to anyone that can help, SilverLoachRam

If it’s acting normal then don’t fret. Give it a couple of days and then try refeeding. Watch for belly swelling and not normal behavior.

 

[SilverLoachRam]

If it’s acting normal then don’t fret. Give it a couple of days and then try refeeding. Watch for belly swelling and not normal behavior.

By belly swelling do you mean right after feeding time? I feed them in the late evenings and they normally have a small bulge in there bellies for a little after eating but it is always gone by the morning. Same thing with my clown loaches. (Different tanks just for clarification)

 

[davidee21]

Hi SilverLoachRam,
if there are any more unusual symptoms such as cloudy eyes or belly swelling, there is a chance that your Bichir might be infected with a parasite that spreads. To prevent this, you might want to change the water more regularly and use anti-internal parasite drops.
Hope your Bichir is ok!

 

[tlindsey]

What are you feeding the Senegal Bichir?

 

[SilverLoachRam]

I feed them crushed (not like dust just broken in a 4 or so smaller pieces per pellet) omega one shrimp pellets.

 

[tlindsey]

I feed them crushed (not like dust just broken in a 4 or so smaller pieces per pellet) omega one shrimp pellets.

If the pellet is too hard they will avoid it unless extremely hungry. I suggest adding Tilapia to the Bichir's feeding routine. I feed a variety of foods to my Senegal Bichir. They are fed a variety of pellet, small freeze dried shrimp, and Tilapia.

 

[SilverLoachRam]

If the pellet is too hard they will avoid it unless extremely hungry. I suggest adding Tilapia to the Bichir's feeding routine. I feed a variety of foods to my Senegal Bichir. They are fed a variety of pellet, small freeze dried shrimp, and Tilapia.

Thanks for the response, they began eating again tonight but I'll start varying their diet up more with tilapia and the freeze dried krill I have.

 

[tlindsey]

Thanks for the response, they began eating again tonight but I'll start varying their diet up more with tilapia and the freeze dried krill I have.

Great to hear that the Senegal Polys are eating.