Feeding my Ornate

[luv4pets]

Two days I picked up a 6" polypterus ornatipinnis from my lfs. He's an awesome fish, very healthy and active, but I can't seem to get him to eat. The store clerk said they had been feeding him frozen bloodworms and sinking carnivore pellets, I was sure to buy the same brands that he had been using, but the ornate won't touch either.

What should I try next to get him to eat?

- Thanx!

 

[pwmin]

I would try cut up market shrimp or tilapia filets.

 

[beblondie]

Try feeding it at night just after you turn off the tank lights-Anne

 

[Angler]

My Ornate has had a pretty quick growth rate (probably a typical rate for Ornates) but I hardly ever see him eat. He likely scavenges after lights out. I would not worry if yours doesn't jump right on food.

 

[tudiapaktam]

Try meal worm. Your ornate will grow bigger at a faster rate.

 

[luv4pets]

Thanks for the advice everyone! I have been feeding him at night after the lights have been out for about an hour, but he just ignores the food. However, I think he might be scavenging a bit during the night, I would just feel so much better if I actually saw him eat! I think I will try meal worms tonight since I have those in my fridge.

-Thanks!

 

[killerfish]

might just take some time for him to settle in

try

fish fillets ( cod, tillapia , catfish , basa basa, pretty much any wight fish )
worms ( night crawlers , red wigglers , blood worms might be taken with some time )
shrimp
ghost shrimp
squid
silver sides ( a small fish )
krill
beef heart
mine like tad poles as a treat

 

[beblondie]

For what its worth I have a female ornate that for the first 6 months i had her i never saw her eat.In fact I never saw her lol the only way I knew she was there the food
would be gone in the morning-Anne

 

[proaquatics]

I would try cut up market shrimp or tilapia filets.

Try feeding it at night just after you turn off the tank lights-Anne

 

[cenecker]

I've had similar experiences with my ornate, he was extremely shy and NEVER ate out in the open til he hit about 10". Just keep dropping food in the tank at night, yours won't starve itself to death .

Also...whats the temp in your tank? It's been my observation that bichir appetites TRIPLE when the water gets over 80 so I highly suggest keeping your tank on the warmer side.