New fish is on hunger strike???

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jaguartooth

jaguartooth

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Oct 25, 2007
67
1
6
LA
Hey guys,

What do you guys do to coax a new fish into eating?

I got a new female jack dempsey (6in) 5 days ago, and I still haven't seen it eat yet. It gets bullied by my texas (5in) and saum (6in), but not excessively, as she has multiple hiding spots and swims out in the open here and there.

I usually feed my fish pellets, freeze-dried shrimp, and bloodworms. She hasn't taken a liking to any of these. The previous owner fed her a similar diet.

IME, cichlids start eating within a couple days of being introduced to a new tank. Perhaps JD's take a little longer?

How long should I wait before getting worried about it?
What are your experiences and recommendations?

FYI, tank is 125 gal.
 
jaguartooth;2104519; said:
Hey guys,

What do you guys do to coax a new fish into eating?

I got a new female jack dempsey (6in) 5 days ago, and I still haven't seen it eat yet. It gets bullied by my texas (5in) and saum (6in), but not excessively, as she has multiple hiding spots and swims out in the open here and there.

I usually feed my fish pellets, freeze-dried shrimp, and bloodworms. She hasn't taken a liking to any of these. The previous owner fed her a similar diet.

IME, cichlids start eating within a couple days of being introduced to a new tank. Perhaps JD's take a little longer?

How long should I wait before getting worried about it?
What are your experiences and recommendations?

FYI, tank is 125 gal.
Click to expand...

some fish never adapt to a new home especially if they had been bullied a lot in their previous home.
 
well mostly fish will eat when they are really hungry... but (i do not recommend this atall) but u could chuck in some feeders, thats what some people do at a great expence of there fish not eating for ages. if you are goin to do this think carefully and make sure u quarinteen the fish thoroughly.
 
mbunafishkeeper;2104580; said:
well mostly fish will eat when they are really hungry... but (i do not recommend this atall) but u could chuck in some feeders, thats what some people do at a great expence of there fish not eating for ages. if you are goin to do this think carefully and make sure u quarinteen the fish thoroughly.
Click to expand...

it won't work, the feeders will bully it lol kidding.
 
I try soaking pellets in garlic extract to entice fish. I don't know if there's actually any scientific logic to it... but it somehow worked with me for my very difficult marine stock.

Also putting off all lights and keeping only low light in the tank while feeding, and I hiding behind sofa helps! No.. not kidding.... may be the sofa bit is an exaggeration!
 
I did a water change yesterday. Still didn't eat. I'm gonna steer away from feeders.

I used to treat food with garlic for marine fish to clean their intestinal tract. Never was convinced if it worked or not.

The JD was the bully in her previous tank.

I don't want to start medicating unless I'm sure of the ailment. What are some other symptons that arise from internal parasites, aside from not eating? What medication, metronidazole? anything else?
 
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