How to fatten up a fish?

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J

jschall

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Apr 9, 2009
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Chico, California
I ordered 2 Ctenopoma acutirostre (leopard ctenopoma) for my bichir tank/congo river biotope, but they came in really small (1.5"). Not big enough to survive the bichirs. They're in a planted 10 gallon tank, which I pulled my dwarf puffer out of for the occasion.

How do I make them bigger, faster?
Feed them lots? Of what? Twice daily? Three times?
Keep them in warmer water? Keep them in cooler water?
 
Power feed. Feed them small amounts through out the day. I feed my FH 5 times a day. He has grown 4 inches in a month.
 
Heh. Don't really want to make this tank a mess. Probably should have a QT.

I haven't seen them accept pellets or flake yet (just took shipment), but I have seen them pick at some flake I left for them, though they didn't eat any.
 
Keep the water a little warmer, as this will increase their metabolism, allowing you to feed them more. Also, I would suggest heavy water changes. 50% twice a week.
 
Young Ctenopoma are generally reluctant to take dead so starting of with guppies for 5 days then starving them for 2 and then offer small cichlid pellets, rinse repeat until they eat pellets. Feed Bloodworms Brine Shrimp & Krill as well.

Keep them in warm water 82*F, 50% WC around 3 times a week, and feed 4 times a day. I've done this power feed with both my Ornate Bichir, Odoe and African Aro.
BUT Remember this Ctenopoma aren't really fast growers mine is 5" and I've had it for 3 years(I got it at 2")
 
Darth Scohin;4617514; said:
Young Ctenopoma are generally reluctant to take dead so starting of with guppies for 5 days then starving them for 2 and then offer small cichlid pellets, rinse repeat until they eat pellets. Feed Bloodworms Brine Shrimp & Krill as well.

Keep them in warm water 82*F, 50% WC around 3 times a week, and feed 4 times a day. I've done this power feed with both my Ornate Bichir, Odoe and African Aro.
BUT Remember this Ctenopoma aren't really fast growers mine is 5" and I've had it for 3 years(I got it at 2")
Click to expand...

Don't have guppies or anywhere local to get them.

I'm sure I can just do what I do with bichirs and ropefish - starve them until they take pellets. I assume they won't allow themselves to starve to death, no?
 
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