New Adult Bowfin Not Eating

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bjbass

Candiru
MFK Member
Apr 10, 2010
536
5
48
PA
I added an adult bowfin (about 12-14") to my 210 (10 years established) and he hasn’t eaten since I got him almost a month ago. Any ideas on what he would take? I have tried NLS and Hikari Massivore Delite pellets, raw shrimp, live nightcrawlers, and frozen silversides. My arowana and my oscar are eating well, but can’t get this guy to eat anything. I figured he would get hungry eventually and eat something. I have gotten food to land right by his face including the actively moving nightcrawler, but he didn’t even flinch. Next thing I might try is pellets soaked in garlic or live rosy reds.

He looks fine though otherwise.
 
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How’s ur water parameters? Has it been treated with prazipro as these have been wild caught when brought in? What was it fed before?

Maybe some time needed. Bad to say. Fish this big can go a while without eating.
 
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kno4te said:
How’s ur water parameters? Has it been treated with prazipro as these have been wild caught when brought in? What was it fed before?

Maybe some time needed. Bad to say. Fish this big can go a while without eating.
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He looks healthy still. I have not treated him at all although I do keep some aquarium salt in my water.

I asked the place I bought him and they suggested chicken livers or chicken hearts.
 
bjbass said:
Great idea! Will have to go collect some this weekend.

I will check my params today and do a water change after.

I tried some chicken livers and my aro devoured two big pieces, two pieces sat literally by my bowfins face and nothing.
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Scratch that evidently they changed the regulations in Pennsylvania and you can’t take them alive anymore.
 
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Go dig up some earthworms. Not good for an exclusive diet, but OK as part of it.
I would think they should squirm long enough to attract its attention.

You can buy marmorkrebs off aquabid and start up a colony.
 
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