We all know that rectis are picky eaters, and that they are not as hardy compared, to other rays as hystrixs or motoros.
But is this really true?
My local lfs have imported 40-50 rectis the past 2 years. He hasnt lost a single one. All started eating within a week (most 2-3 rays after arrival). A few took 1 week+. He even got one that was missing 50% of its tail. I was sure I wouldnt make it. But it pulled through and without any meds!
Everyone is also calling them picky eaters. Thats true though. But does this make them fragile? I think not.
Just take a look at this species. They grow very slow (must be extremely slow in the wild!). They stay small and have tiny mouths compared to other species. All are typical signs of a specialised species. My guess is that they only feed on small worms, insect larva and maybe very small shrimps and fish.
This could explain why they dont take kindly to new foods. Simply because they are a specialised species, and not opportunists like most other big rays. But I wouldnt even call them picky, just provide them with their natural food sources, like krill (they are shrimp like), blood worms, live black worms or live shrimps. They will be eating in no time!
My lfs has also imported 11 motoros. One shipment of 5, and one with 6. The first shipment went fine, and all ate within 2 days. But I took almost 2 weeks before the rays form the last shipment started feeding!
This is just what I have experienced.
What do you guys think about this subject?
But is this really true?
My local lfs have imported 40-50 rectis the past 2 years. He hasnt lost a single one. All started eating within a week (most 2-3 rays after arrival). A few took 1 week+. He even got one that was missing 50% of its tail. I was sure I wouldnt make it. But it pulled through and without any meds!
Everyone is also calling them picky eaters. Thats true though. But does this make them fragile? I think not.
Just take a look at this species. They grow very slow (must be extremely slow in the wild!). They stay small and have tiny mouths compared to other species. All are typical signs of a specialised species. My guess is that they only feed on small worms, insect larva and maybe very small shrimps and fish.
This could explain why they dont take kindly to new foods. Simply because they are a specialised species, and not opportunists like most other big rays. But I wouldnt even call them picky, just provide them with their natural food sources, like krill (they are shrimp like), blood worms, live black worms or live shrimps. They will be eating in no time!
My lfs has also imported 11 motoros. One shipment of 5, and one with 6. The first shipment went fine, and all ate within 2 days. But I took almost 2 weeks before the rays form the last shipment started feeding!
This is just what I have experienced.
What do you guys think about this subject?
