Help Me! My flowerhorn’s not eating!

[Petrie_O]

A

That picture won’t show anything help parasite wise. Just watch it’s poop and look it over to be sure there are no marks or unusual spots. Ich, lice, ect.

And like the others said add decor/hiding spots. It is not going to be happy being so exposed. And for now I wouldn’t use any light at all. You can get it adjusted to the light when it’s in the main tank.

Are there illnesses that i can’t spot visually ?
For this size of a tank and fish I simply can’t add decor without the fish having having trouble getting across the tank. I’ll simpy turn the light off and wait a week then.

 

[Petrie_O]

on my QTs tanks all i have is a flower pot and a HOB and no lights IMO lights are not needed on QT tanks lights are only for humans

I use an overhead sump on my quartines as they’re easier to maintain. Seems like many of y’all think the light’s affecting it. I’ve removed it and will monitor it for another week with daily feedings and removal or (hopefully not all) uneaten food.

 

[Petrie_O]

He looks like a fairly healthy fish. Just might need to settle in. I would give him some cover and like the others said maybe cut down on the lighting. The sooner you can move him into a propee sized tank of his own the better.

Hmm how Long should I wait then? He hasn’t eaten anything for the past 7 days or so since I’ve gotten him and I’m worried he may starve to death or succumb to diseases as He already looks really skinny for a flowerhorn
I usually quarantine at least a month especially for carnivorous fish considering they get parasites easily. (Esp for this guy since he was rescued from a irresponsible owner keeping him in a 5 gallon for all its life)

 

[Backfromthedead]

What are you trying to feed him?

 

[duanes]

Some illnesses don't visually manifest for up to 2 months (especially some bacterial diseases). A friend of mine who runs an aquatic exhibit at a major zoo, quarantines any new fish for at least 6 months.
Fish can easily go 2 weeks or more without eating, if they are healthy. If not, and they die, even though it is gone, then the quarantine may have saved all the rest of your fish from eventually and assuredly dying.

 

[Petrie_O]

What are you trying to feed him?

Mainly pellets daily (usually 3 and I remove them after 30 min as he ain’t eating any)
I’ve also tried frozen bloodworms, freeze dried shrimp and cabbage.
I’m going to buy some live super worms to try as a last resort. Any other suggestions ?

 

[Petrie_O]

Some illnesses don't visually manifest for up to 2 months (especially some bacterial diseases). A friend of mine who runs an aquatic exhibit at a major zoo, quarantines any new fish for at least 6 months.
Fish can easily go 2 weeks or more without eating, if they are healthy. If not, and they die, even though it is gone, then the quarantine may have saved all the rest of your fish from eventually and assuredly dying.

Alright I’ll just keep trying to feed it with pellets daily (remove after 30 min ) and wait till he accepts it then

 

[Petrie_O]

Hi guys
Just an update : it’s been about 10 days since I’ve had the fish and following some of the advice given I’ve turned off the lighting and the fish seems to be doing better !
It also started eating ! Albeit live worms only (it won’t even touch frozen ones). Gonna be a real pain getting him to switch to pellets but I’ll keep trying !

 

[Deadliestviper7]

Hi guys
Just an update : it’s been about 10 days since I’ve had the fish and following some of the advice given I’ve turned off the lighting and the fish seems to be doing better !
It also started eating ! Albeit live worms only (it won’t even touch frozen ones). Gonna be a real pain getting him to switch to pellets but I’ll keep trying !

Got him on pellets yet?

 

[Petrie_O]

Got him on pellets yet?

Um not exactly. It's a hit or miss with him. I have to make the pellets soft and sink in order for him to eat. It's a work in progress but I'm happy there's at least improvement !