About 9" fella, got him a few days ago but I just can't get him to eat. Ignores carnivore pellets and just ignores or spits out bloodworms. Doesn't really have interest for small catfishes too. Argh! He's in a tank with red sand and no hidin spots but he's really active and swims alot. Also considering to get one of those night lights. Need some advise guys!
P.afer won't eat
- Thread starter Kai
- Start date
Mine took to pellets at about 10", it is not a normal food source and does not move for them-especially if not presoaked.
Try earthworms (live) mine have ALWAYS taken to these. Also mine has been known to grab the occasional feeder that my Oscar didn't see-make sure to quarantine the feeder first and wash earthworms before adding to your tank, that is unless you like dirt on your substrate...
Try earthworms (live) mine have ALWAYS taken to these. Also mine has been known to grab the occasional feeder that my Oscar didn't see-make sure to quarantine the feeder first and wash earthworms before adding to your tank, that is unless you like dirt on your substrate...
Catfish, as in market bought food or other smaller tankmates?
I had a scare when my smaller P. Afer ate a crab and the bulge lasted for weeks! They will eat most anything live... Catfish are fatty I believe, tilapia and jumbo shrimp are good general foods for growing carnivores, especially if it doesn't like pellets.
I would avoid changing your fishes diet right off the bat, let it get used to it's surroundings first, lower the light levels, etc... Your fish needs to feel safe otherwise it will get sick from stress.. Starving it to get it on pellets shouldn't be a priority right after you've purchased your knife, IMO.
I had a scare when my smaller P. Afer ate a crab and the bulge lasted for weeks! They will eat most anything live... Catfish are fatty I believe, tilapia and jumbo shrimp are good general foods for growing carnivores, especially if it doesn't like pellets.
I would avoid changing your fishes diet right off the bat, let it get used to it's surroundings first, lower the light levels, etc... Your fish needs to feel safe otherwise it will get sick from stress.. Starving it to get it on pellets shouldn't be a priority right after you've purchased your knife, IMO.
Kai;5157942; said:
If it's eating the catfish then it should be OK, I just always thought catfish meat, like you get at the market, was a bit oily/fatty, and leaves a film on your tank water...Which I never liked.
Go get some earthworms from any store that sells bait(I pick up mine from Wallmart most of the time), your P. Afer will eat those for sure. Plus they are live food, so they will live in your tank for days-weeks before fowling your water.
Ditch the freeze dried krill (or anything freeze dried for that matter)-it floats, and your knife will not see or eat it. I use raw jumbo shrimp and cut it up, but I have to admit that I have never seen my knife eating the shrimp, just the tilapia slices.
hey bro sorry for the late response, it still refuses to eat in the day however the feeder catfishes are slowly disappearing at night theres about 5-6 of them left now. do'nt know what to do after all the feeders are gone. what im doing now is gutloading the catfishes by feeding them sinking pellets or bloodworms to fatten them up. at least when they are eaten they'll be more nutritious. erm its in a bare tank with red sand i'm wondering if i should get those moonlights and a cave or two as its always hiding in a corner nwo
One word 'earthworms' try them, you'll be surprised. One a day 2 if it'll eat em!
And for sure-you need cover in that tank. Mine has taken to some plastic plants I attached to the tank wall with the heater, provides cover so they think they are safe, once they feel safe, it'll eat like a monster! Caves, pottery, something!
And for sure-you need cover in that tank. Mine has taken to some plastic plants I attached to the tank wall with the heater, provides cover so they think they are safe, once they feel safe, it'll eat like a monster! Caves, pottery, something!
Hi man my bait shop doesn't selll earthworms but they sell those many mini legged worm thingys that'll give you a nasty nip. Not sure what worms are those. I'll probably get 2-3 hiding spots tomorrow see if that works. Thanks for actively helping me all this while bro really appreciate it alot!