Red Devil Not Eating

[njmduff]

Got a 5 inch Red Devil from a friend a while ago, it is 2-3 years old (probably was stunted), and it doesn't come out to eat during feeding time. Occasionally he will come out and eat like 1-2 pieces then hides. He would do this in his tank also.
He's the largest fish in the tank by 2+ inches, but all it wants to do is sit in his caves.
Diet is mainly Cichlid Gold pellets, with brine shrimp, bloodworms, and flakes mixed in.

 

[lcujol]

Take him out of the tank look him in the eyes and slap him lol jk. You should add a convict make your red more interested that's what I did now my red is nuts!! He's jumping for his food also.


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[Rhodes09]

Not typical Red Devil behavior to not be taking the center of the tank. How has he been in your tank for?

 

[lcujol]

I guess I should of asked what size is your tank? Also what does your red have for tank mates?


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[njmduff]

Been in the tank around 3 weeks, 40 gallon breeder for now. There are 2 3inch convicts, and 2 1.5 inchers. The convicts really go after food too, and there is plenty for the red to get if he came out.

He's definitely more lively compared to when he was in my friends tank, where he would never ever come out. In my tank he likes to swims around towards night time. He does love to kill feeders though.

 

[Excedrin102]

Maybe he doesn't feel safe or secure in the tank yet.Maybe in time with some encouragement like treats and spending some time with him in front of the tank on the regular basis he might start to see you're not a bad person you're the good person with treats and attention for him.Just my opinion.


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[JcrockVA]

Probably just not comfortable in his new tank yet. Ive had fish hide for that long before.

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[Rhodes09]

I had a similar situation with a JD I rescued from a friends tank. I had success by leaving the light off for extended periods and providing multiple hiding spots. He will become more active with time don't you worry.


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[large_cichlids]

i had same problem with a red i had years ago..he was shyer then any fish i had,what i usually did was go in my yard,find a earth worm,drop it in center of tank.its natural to catch any fishes attention as somethin to play with or eat,ur rd will prolly stare from a distance then venture towards it..if it eats it.id start droppin one in ur tank every day..it will gain the mindset that its wants to eat,and curious bout what drops in its tank