P. Argentea frustration

[jaws7777]

It feels like im always posting some minor issues with this fish. But ever since he hit the 3 inch mark hes been real picky with his food like no other fish i have ever had.

He wont go near nls anymore, always accepted omega one reg/kelp pellets easily. But even that is hit or miss latley. Some days he takes it no prob others its one or two pellets.

Eats anything frozen greedily attacks blood worms, likes frozen krill and will eat omega one seaweed everey now and then. Wont touch any veggies except for peas.

Doesnt look stressed, swims to the glass when i approach the tank and no white stringy poop.

so the question .... Is this just a phase, something i am gonna have to wait out ?

Dont know how im gonna put size on him with him being so picky.

Sent from my SM-G900P using MonsterAquariaNetwork App

 

[duanes]

Many cichlids have seasonal changes in nature in the availability of food, and selection of food in the aquarium may change as instinct kicks in.
Sometimes insects hatch in abundance, sometimes there is nothing available except algae or rotting leaves, some cichlids move to flooded land where they eat water logged terrestrial vegetation, and at times ripening fallen fruit becomes a seasonal staple.
Many also go thru different phases as they age, at times needing more protein (especially when young), and changing to a mainly vegetarian diet when older. These changes are instinctively programed and may also reflect the seasonal changes with what occurs concurrently during a natural breeding season.
I never worry, just accept their choices and roll with them.
My own pond seems to reflect these changes, early in the spring algae is the only available food, and this is when spawning occurs and the tiny fry graze, within weeks swarms of larvae appear, just when the fry are large enough to take advantage, and so on.
For example
Although you can't really see fry in the pic below, you can see patches where they have grazed algae down to the pond liner.

 

[ragin_cajun]

If you want a big Argentea, be prepared to wait. If I were you, I'd put him in with some other fish you really like alot, and forget about him for a year or two. And buy a bunch of em. Some are runts and just don't grow. Others grow at a somewhat normal rate. Some grow quick but don't have quite as good body shape as others. These great big Argentea you see on youtube are a precious thing. Regani, too.

 

[ehh]

He'll gain size in time. Maybe slower than you want but if he is eating and in good water growth is just a matter of time.

I'm my tanks I never feed the same thing for seven consecutive days. Everyone has a staple pellet but I mix really mix it up for them. Not sure what you do but I've never had an issue with fish being picky. At least a healthy fish being picky.


Sent from my iPhone using MonsterAquariaNetwork app

 

[jaws7777]

Many cichlids have seasonal changes in nature in the availability of food, and selection of food in the aquarium may change as instinct kicks in.
Sometimes insects hatch in abundance, sometimes there is nothing available except algae or rotting leaves, some cichlids move to flooded land where they eat water logged terrestrial vegetation, and at times ripening fallen fruit becomes a seasonal staple.
Many also go thru different phases as they age, at times needing more protein (especially when young), and changing to a mainly vegetarian diet when older. These changes are instinctively programed and may also reflect the seasonal changes with what occurs concurrently during a natural breeding season.
I never worry, just accept their choices and roll with them.
My own pond seems to reflect these changes, early in the spring algae is the only available food, and this is when spawning occurs and the tiny fry graze, within weeks swarms of larvae appear, just when the fry are large enough to take advantage, and so on.
For example
Although you can't really see fry in the pic below, you can see patches where they have grazed algae down to the pond liner.

Thanks d i guess its my impatience.

If you want a big Argentea, be prepared to wait. If I were you, I'd put him in with some other fish you really like alot, and forget about him for a year or two. And buy a bunch of em. Some are runts and just don't grow. Others grow at a somewhat normal rate. Some grow quick but don't have quite as good body shape as others. These great big Argentea you see on youtube are a precious thing. Regani, too.

He had a growth spurt then it slowed down a bit. Hes in a 75 with some tiger babrs as dithers and a small pleco. Last time he was with other cichlids it dodnt work out to well ....just beat on them
Would love to get him a girlfriend but dont have another large tank.

He'll gain size in time. Maybe slower than you want but if he is eating and in good water growth is just a matter of time.

I'm my tanks I never feed the same thing for seven consecutive days. Everyone has a staple pellet but I mix really mix it up for them. Not sure what you do but I've never had an issue with fish being picky. At least a healthy fish being picky.



Sent from my iPhone using MonsterAquariaNetwork app

Thanks ehh i had an acara that would only eat hikari sinking discs...so this isnt the first time for me.


Sent from my SM-G900P using MonsterAquariaNetwork App

 

[jaws7777]

He spends allot of time behind the pot digging like a maniac. Attacks the glass too lol.

Question
Should i indulge him and feed himore blood worms/mysis/brine shrimp amd krill ? I just dont want him.to get away from pellets

https://youtu.be/I82waNqvssA

Sent from my SM-G900P using MonsterAquariaNetwork App

 

[elting44]

Have you tried fasting him for a few days? Then only offer him pellets, then feed pellets only and slowly add back frozen treats?

 

[jaws7777]

Have you tried fasting him for a few days? Then only offer him pellets, then feed pellets only and slowly add back frozen treats?

I did but ened up giving in sooner than later. Im gonna raise the temp a couple of degrees and stick to the fasting this time

Sent from my SM-G900P using MonsterAquariaNetwork App

 

[neutrino]

He spends allot of time behind the pot digging like a maniac. Attacks the glass too lol.

Question
Should i indulge him and feed himore blood worms/mysis/brine shrimp amd krill ? I just dont want him.to get away from pellets

https://youtu.be/I82waNqvssA

Sent from my SM-G900P using MonsterAquariaNetwork App

I agree with the fasting thing to get him to eat pellets, but of the above the best nutrition is mysis, which ime is a good growth food, at least in freeze dried form.

 

[jaws7777]

Thank neutrino i will have to pick some up next time i re up my supplies i only have frozen on hand atm