How often do flatheads & gars eat/ when should I feed them?

[WildLand]

The feeding regimen for two 20" gars and a ~16" flathead catfish are 30 live goldfish thrown in the tank once a week (Don't know exactly how many each fish gets, probably gars get the most since the cat waits until they are in front of him) and they eat them over the corse of two days and a night. I've been doing some research and from known knowledge that yes, of course, they will eat whenever they get the chance because they are predators and are opportunistic. Mine and my directors concern is that they aren't getting enough food. I think that the cat is fine because all he does is hang out in his rocks all day (probably wanders around a little at night) and doesn't burn too much energy. Does this sound like a good feeding plan? They have been on this routine for awhile and seem like very healthy and full bellied fish.

Also, don't really want to have feeder goldfish in the tank at all times because it is an educational tank for native Rio Grande fish so people come in to check it out all the time. Don't want people thinking feeder fish are native.

Let me know!

 

[FMA4ME]

Well we've talking about feeding here alot. I think your fish will tell you a lot about whether you're on the right track with feedings by their appearance and activities. So
having said they are healthy and active I'd say you're on the right track. I would get off petstore feeders asap and breed my own feeders to try and avoid parasites and diseases. (may be harder to stick to natives here)
I'd also come in at night to get a better look at that cat, could be a skeleton behind that big head. Good luck man, where in NM are you?

 

[Rachel.Cody]

Feeder goldfish dont really have much nutrition. Have you tried giving them cut up pieces of tilapia or shrimp? Mine go crazy for it. You could also try krill.


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[Yuki Rihwa]

For the cat would be best to use some market prawn, if the gars don't eat then all for the cat

 

[WildLand]

Well we've talking about feeding here alot. I think your fish will tell you a lot about whether you're on the right track with feedings by their appearance and activities. So
having said they are healthy and active I'd say you're on the right track. I would get off petstore feeders asap and breed my own feeders to try and avoid parasites and diseases. (may be harder to stick to natives here)
I'd also come in at night to get a better look at that cat, could be a skeleton behind that big head. Good luck man, where in NM are you?

I'm not too worried about the feeder fish being natives, just didn't want a tank full of goldfish 24/7. Breeding own feeders would be a great idea. Haha he's doing well, when I clean his rocks he gets grumpy and swims out. He's pretty stout. I am in the south, Las Cruces. Familiar with the area?

Feeder goldfish dont really have much nutrition. Have you tried giving them cut up pieces of tilapia or shrimp? Mine go crazy for it. You could also try krill.
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I have not, I will try that!

For the cat would be best to use some market prawn, if the gars don't eat then all for the cat

Oh awesome! so just deshell them and throw them in? Will the cat come out at night and scavenge the bottom for them?