New Retic with Discus

[ScaryToastMonster]

Hi guys,

Just looking for a bit of advice really. I purchased a small Retic 5 days ago, he was from a private seller so I did the sensible thing and went round asked all the questions and watched him feed on frozen bloodworm.

Now since he's been with us he hasn't eaten a drop. Once the bloodworm is in the tank he just kinda freezes. He can be moving but soon as the food appears he goes still. My concern is that he'e assessing the situation, but by the time he decides what to do all the food is gone. My Discus eat it all, they are by no means super quick eaters but he doesn't seem interested.

Today I even tried him on a small live worm, I managed to distract all the discus, he shuffled over to the worm. Stopped next to it for a bit, then as he moved over it the worm wriggled and he shot off to the other side of the tank!!!! This happened twice, in the end I gave up and let the discus eat the worm.

My concern is, could the little fella be stressed by the Discus, he was previously kept with a couple of Arowana and Bass? I've tried giving him time and space, just getting a little concerned.

BTW tank parameters are spot on i.e Ammonia 0, Nitrite 0, Nitrate 0 as i do 50% wc ev ery other day. Habit from keeping Discus.

Just any advice really guys, and maybe a reassuring word to stop me fretting!

Thanks

Martin

 

[jdvue]

im not much into rays. I do know it can be done though.
maybe the ray is just scared? try using the same methods you would with discus?
thats my best bet... lower lighting... cover the sides with paper... raise temp... etc...

good luck.

 

[jeffers]

i would also put a barricade up so that he can be seperate from the discus. but like already advised lights off and sides covered with not many disturbances. also you should try with cut up nightcrawlers. sized to the size of the retics mouth. also try to get some blackworms in. just remember to seperate from discus cause they will eat everything before it touches the ground and stress out the ray.

then after you fatten up the ray you can attempt to take the divider out.

good luck and keep us updated.

 

[sea7ray]

Hi Mr Toastmonster,
Try varying the food more as well, prawns, salmon muscles etc. I've found with all the rays that once they find one thing they like they'll move easier onto other foods (although my Leo still wont take Massivore). Also maybe feed at night?

 

[ScaryToastMonster]

Hi guys. Thanks for everyones advice. I did everything you all suggested, separated him, lights off and different foods. Unfortunately this evening when I returned he had passed away. I guess everything was just too much for the little fella. :-(

 

[jeffers]

sorry to hear this. retics are usually stressed and very small to begin with. i might suggest a motoro for you next ray venture.