Dovii not eating

[Michael Vick]

I have a fairly large dovii that hasnt been eating very well for a few months. A little background. He started in a 125 gallon tank and was eating and growing well. I later had to move him to another 125 gallon by himself. Ever since he was moved he eats a very small amount once every couple of days. He keeps a skinny stomach usually and where was once friendly is very fearful of any humans but kills any fish put into the tank. The water is the same as its always been around 7.5 ph and kept pretty warm. I dont feed it live food. I feed a variety of pellets and chopped fish. Im looking to give him some sort of medication if someone can recommend one to me. I havnt seen what his poop looks like in a while. I have included a picture.

 

[Michael Vick]

Hes just very fearful of humans and has no appetite. Used to be the opposite. I am always gentle with my fish I have never abused him xP

 

[kno4te]

Add some metronidazole and prazipro to the water. Add Epsom salt at 1 tbsp per 5g. If able try getting some metroplex and mix with distilled water in a syringe and flush into the dovii’s mouth daily. I know it seems harsh to force feed but it doesn’t look well. Plus the metroplex works better when absorbed. Keep the water pristine. My suggestion. Best of luck.

Can ask Rocksor and see what his opinion as well.

 

[pops]

I also might add a larger tank, like a 180 or 250.

 

[Drstrangelove]

I have a fairly large dovii that hasnt been eating very well for a few months. A little background. He started in a 125 gallon tank and was eating and growing well. I later had to move him to another 125 gallon by himself. Ever since he was moved he eats a very small amount once every couple of days. He keeps a skinny stomach usually and where was once friendly is very fearful of any humans but kills any fish put into the tank.

This sounds like it was the new tank, but I've never owned this fish, so let me suggest a few things:

1) Fewer fish means he has no other tank mates to signal it's safe to eat

2) A different tank likely means different surroundings for the tank, potentially different noises, foot traffic, lighting, etc. Decor might also provide less cover

It just sounds like it's not an illness, but a comparatively less safe environment. You can of course treat for parasites or illnesses that inhibit eating, but I'd consider adding more cover and hiding locations, reducing lighting, and possibly sounds and foot traffic. The sporadic eating might mean he's just too hungry too starve himself, but won't eat until that point is reached.

Again, just an impression from watching how other fish have adapted to moves.

 

[Michael Vick]

Im going to try all of these things and let you know how it goes. At one point I thought it was because without other fish he felt less safe so I tried adding some tough fish like flowerhorns and large african cichlids but he beats them to near death so I'll just try to make his environment feel safer for him.

 

[duanes]

In Lake Arenal in Costa Rica where they are common, most "adult" dovii don't have fish, as a major part of their diet, instead, insects seem to be the primary source of food.
The water temp in Arenal is also not all that warm, but stays in the low to mid 70sF, and at certain times of the year when the dovii are most active (according to fishermen) temps can drop into the high 60sF.
A management plan for the sport fishery of Parachromis dovii (Pisces ...

 

[Michael Vick]

It says they spawn in the winter months too.

 

[Michael Vick]

and i learned alot of other stuff