Looks like I've been pretty wrong about what's a harmless fast for a fish?

[thebiggerthebetter]

This morning I came across The Fish Doctor on youtube, who has loads of good, informative videos, which is highly commendable. However, in the first video I saw, what struck me is this statement written below the video in the comments:

"From time to time, fish can go off feed, sometimes for unknown reasons. It is important to start giving nutritional support within 1-2 weeks if fish stop eating."

Perhaps ignorantly, I've always thought based on my superficial experience that even a few-months-long fast is acceptable or nothing to worry too much about, while an ill fish's organism is working on its issues.

On the other hand, when weaning fish off live foods, I let them fast for long times too, even up to 4-6 months, as I've done with two 6"-7" juruense catfish.

Thus, when met on MFK with questions of how long a fish should / can be fasted, I'd not hesitate to tell them my opinion.

Yet, I must assume that The Fish Doctor surely must know incomparably more about this than me and hence I should correct my thinking.

I am wondering what others think of this, especially our resident MFK experts and professionals?

 

[kno4te]

I think a fully grown fish can fast for long periods of time,1 month. I figure a month is a reasonable time to get off of live food. Small fish or juvenile fish probably shouldn't go that long. Since they grow fast and to avoid any deficiency related issues...I'd say weeks at a time if weaning is being tried. Or atleast if the growth has slowed. Just IMO.

 

[RD.]

I think a fully grown fish can fast for long periods of time,1 month. I figure a month is a reasonable time to get off of live food. Small fish or juvenile fish probably shouldn't go that long. Since they grow fast and to avoid any deficiency related issues...I'd say weeks at a time if weaning is being tried. Or atleast if the growth has slowed. Just IMO.

Pretty much my thoughts as well. Mouthbrooders go for several weeks at a time with little to no food, both in the wild, and in captivity. IMO the Doc was speaking in a very general manner when he suggested that fish would require nutritional support in 1-2 weeks.

And personally I would never fast/starve a fish for longer then 30 days, no matter its age/size/condition.

 

[ehh]

Lucky fish. That needle full of diazepam... he was feelin good after that.

Thanks for sharing. Really interesting video.

 

[kno4te]

Similar to people who are sick and cannot eat it use the digestive track. Food is given via large IV's or a tube bypassing the gut (varies).

Same with the red tail cat. Food was give thru a tube and syringe and bypassed the stomach or area of blot. Look at how long the feeding tube.

 

[ehh]

The other videos on this guys channel are also awesome.

 

[Frank Castle]

wth is a fast? lol If I skip feeding more than a day or 2 in my tanks, I will wake-up to half-stripped carcasses and skeletons My fish eat like PIGS

Except for my Moray - he gets large meals 2, maybe 3x a week

 

[RD.]

Yeah, I have been watching Dr. Loh's videos for awhile. Some good info in them.

In the wild most fish fast, especially those faced with a rainy season and dry season cycle. It's a very natural and healthy process.

 

[Deadliestviper7]

Natural? Yes. Healthy? Often no if it's more than a few days. However I often fasted my fish(adults only) for a day every other week.

 

[kno4te]

I think meaning healthy in a way of avoiding overfeeeding. Avoiding bloat. Even those unhealthy bred feeders at the Lfs lol.