How long can my JD go without food?

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Mayko

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Dec 11, 2007
6
0
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Michigan
First off, I have a juvenile JD, I would estimate about 2.5 inches. I have been feeding 3 times a day (small amounts) varying between pellets, flake, and some freeze dried bloodworm; with a day of fasting every 5 or so days (usually because I'm at class all day those days).

I will have to leave him/her alone for possibly up to a week and a half. Will throwing 10-15 small ghost shrimp in there be enough to ration him/her for that week, or even just letting him/her go without food? I know fish in the wild can go long periods of time without food, but I was worried because I know food demands are higher for younger fish. Any help is appreciated. Thanks.

Mayko
 
I would throw more than just 10 to 15 ghost shrimp if you are planning on being gone for that long, especially since it is a juv. fish. Adult fish can go a lot longer without eating than juv without having any effects, but juv. pretty much have to stay happy...lol.

Is there someone who could come in maybe midweek and feed them for you? That is really a long time to leave your fish without food. Longest I've ever left my fish without food was for four and a half days. Feed it before you leave for sure.

Your best bet would be to get an automatic feeder from like PetSmart/PetCo/WalMart. They are relatively cheap, easy to use, and will feed your fish while you are gone. ;)
 
Thanks for the quick reply,

I have already have a small group of ghost shrimp in there, I will add more, and maybe I can ask my ex :irked: if she will drop by midweek and feed.

Also, do you think its possible to sustain a population of breeding shrimp, say if there was adequate hiding space for them? Of the all the information on live food that I've read, It looks like inverts are the healthiest live food you can feed cichlids.
 
It will be fine without food for a week and a half, even at 2.5". The only time you really need to worry about feeding is when they're fry, or to keep down aggression.

Feed heavily the couple days before you go and then do a big waterchange. The ghost shrimp will be plenty.

I've gone without feeding adult cichlids upwards of 3 weeks and when I came home I couldn't tell a difference in the fish. People WAY overfeed aquarium fish. Just look at wildcaught vs. tank raised, sleek and slender vs. fat and tubby.
 
Thanks again. Thats another reason I usually have my fish fast for a day or so. Fish seems happier when a little hungry.
 
I put in a bunch of feeder guppies after a good water change if ill be gone a few days..
 
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