possible tsn issues?

[newt0524]

hey all

I have had a tiger shovelnose for about 4 months now. He was about 3" when I got him and is now about 5" (length). I feed him about every 3 days on frozen bloodworms, say about the size of a finger tip to the nail.

I have noticed from looking at pictures of TSNs on this site that mine seems to be much more lightly coloured than others. Is this a sign of anything? Also, his growth seems to be under or slower than the growth of others on this site (about 2 inches in 4 months vs 1 to 2" a month in others. Is this sign of anything?

Now an even vaguer question, I keep his tank clean (75Gal right now) and filter it properly. All test levels of ammonia, nitrite and nitrate are right where they should be. Yet his gills seem pink or red from the outside. I know in other fish this is a sign of burnt or damaged gills. I had a look at some young ones at a local shop and didn't really notice the same thing (maybe lighting). Is this noraml for a TSN? should I be able to see a little red through his gills?

Am I just being paranoid or does he(barry) have problem?

Any Help is greatly appriciated.
Newt

 

[Bigairmxman]

feed more= grow more...do it

 

[BigPleco]

Feed every day...will grow faster and be healthier!

 

[stotty]

Feed a more varied diet this is always a way to enhance fishes colour no mater what it is. If you want it to grow fast feed it more but I do recommend giving at least one days fasting. My one went for 3” to 17” in a year and I know of other members that have got there ones to 20” + in the same time. Remember the more you feed you will have to do more water changes.

 

[sje106]

my first fish was a tsn and i fed him mostly on Earth worms and feeders every day! and 50% water changes religiously each week and he went form 2 inch to 14 inch in like 6 months!!
varied diet and water changes = Big quick lol

 

[newt0524]

thanks guys

i will try feeding him more frequenty and more varied, in fact I picked up some frozen brine shrimp on my way home from work today.

call it a hunch, but i think hell eat em.

interesting point, i also have a few yamato shrimp (cleaner shrimp) in the tank with him and he doesn't seem to want to eat them. Thats about the only thing in the tank that he hasn't eaten yet.

thanks again,

newt