Feeding ~5" GATF

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
F

FisherMcFishy

Black Skirt Tetra
MFK Member
Jun 15, 2017
35
9
13
36
Hey everyone,

First time keeping an atf so any input, advice would be appreciated.

Tldr at the bottom.

The LFS where i got her/him from said they were feeding carnisticks for the couple a days that they had it. Now I've had the fish for 4 days, the morning of the 2nd day I dropped a couple sticks in but the gatf totally ignored it, I figured it was still shy or acclimating. I have a new scomb in the tank as well, slightly bigger than the gatf, so I dropped a couple rosies in since its not pellet trained and the gatf swallowed one instantly. Today is day 4, the gatf hasn't eaten in the last 2 days and keeps ignoring its carnisticks. I've tried putting the sticks into shrimp and dangling it from a string but no luck. What's concerning is the fish doesn't seem interested in eating at all. I don't plan on feeding anymore live and want to start pellet training right away but dont to starve the fish at this size.

Tldr: young gatf hasn't eaten in 2 days and has no interest in its carniasicks anymore. Concerns over starving and malnourished young gatf.

Thanks in advance
 
Probably suggest to give live food. Too small to starve it for long periods at this time.

Qt guppies and once bigger then should be able to convert over to other food.
 
  • Like
Reactions: sunnysjourney
kno4te said:
Probably suggest to give live food. Too small to starve it for long periods at this time.

Qt guppies and once bigger then should be able to convert over to other food.
Click to expand...
What size do you recommend for pellet training? I'll have to train the scomb at the same time.
 
Sorry for some reason I read it as 2 months and not 2 days lol.

But since it's a couple of days then it's not too far long. Would suggest getting some teaching fish like tin foil barbs and that's should help the pellet training.
 
kno4te said:
Probably suggest to give live food. Too small to starve it for long periods at this time.

Qt guppies and once bigger then should be able to convert over to other food.
Click to expand...
+1 I don't suggest trying atf till around the 8" mark where they have some weight. Also you shouldn't expect a reaction. He's likely still settling in to the tank let alone adjust to a new food.
 
moe214 said:
+1 I don't suggest trying atf till around the 8" mark where they have some weight. Also you shouldn't expect a reaction. He's likely still settling in to the tank let alone adjust to a new food.
Click to expand...
Waiting another 3" is no problem, I'm enjoy watching it hunt anyway lol. Thanks for the advice!
 
  • Like
Reactions: moe214
Aft generally take to tilapia etc fairly quickly. Try small strips of cut fish for a few days and I think you'll be surprised how readily they accept it. Toss it in so it makes a little splash and the instincts kick in. I'd avoid pellets especially the floating variety. No need to encourage a fish with atf speed to hit the surface hard. Good luck.
 
KNH said:
Aft generally take to tilapia etc fairly quickly. Try small strips of cut fish for a few days and I think you'll be surprised how readily they accept it. Toss it in so it makes a little splash and the instincts kick in. I'd avoid pellets especially the floating variety. No need to encourage a fish with atf speed to hit the surface hard. Good luck.
Click to expand...
Thats very true lol i didn't consider that, I'll switch to the massivore sinking pellets when I start pellet training. I tried dangling tilapia and shrimp from a thread but it didn't work, I'll try again once its gained some size.

Any and all advice/tips is appreciated, thanks everyone!
 
If the fish is nervous and unsure whether he should hit the food or not it's best to throw in the food and back way. I've never tried using thread etc but may be a little counterproductive for his comfort level. Pellets are beneficial from a nutrional stand point but these fish have sharp teeth made for meat. Seems a little unnatural to feed a hard pellet. Once he starts taking tilapia you can stuff pellets into it so that way he gets the best of both worlds.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Quason778
KNH said:
If the fish is nervous and unsure whether he should hit the food or not it's best to throw in the food and back way. I've never tried using thread etc but may be a little counterproductive for his comfort level. Pellets are beneficial from a nutrional stand point but these fish have sharp teeth made for meat. Seems a little unnatural to feed a hard pellet. Once he starts taking tilapia you can stuff pellets into it so that way he gets the best of both worlds.
Click to expand...
I'll def wait a bit then try the tilapia with pellets in it once it puts on some mass, thanks for the help knh
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
MonsterFishKeepers.com
Top Bottom