Redtail Catfish

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Most of the mean fish go on hunger strikes. Part of them being annoying but beautiful.
Live food would likely entice him to eat, but be careful as it might get him hooked and refusing anything but live.
 
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Deadeye said:
Understand completely.
Maybe try a new frozen food he hasn’t seen before?
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From day one that I got this fish, he has eaten blood worms, frozen & freeze dired krill, river shrimp, black worms, tilapia, flounder, market shrimp, all types of pellets. I do not think food is the problem. I honestly think, he just does not want to be in the pond. The water chemistry is the same as the tank. To be infact, when I put him back in the tank and I literally carried himup the the stairs in a net and just threw him in the tank, not even 10 mins and he took food from my hand. Go figure…
 
Fishrfriendsh2o said:
Hello,
I am new here and I wanted to ask some experience fish keepers if they might know why a situation is happening with me. I had purchased a baby 2” redtail catfish about 2 yrs ago. I started him out in a 55g tank that was always next to my lounge chair where I sit most of the day as I am retired. As he grew older, I put him in a 180g tank that I custom made a stand that raised the tank about 40“ high so the tank sits at almost eye level when someone stands directly looking at it. The tank however sits on the other side of my lounge chair and when I recline it, I am looking up at the 180g. My redtail( btw his name is Henry) is always on the side where my chair sits and when I raise my hand totouch the tank he gets excited. I been feeding this catfish by hand from when he was like 3” or so. He is now about 24”. Now for my problem; I had made a 2000g indoor pond for him in my basement and put Henry in. I figuered he would love it as he has tons of room to swim and he is the only fish. I tried feeding him as I been doing for 2 years and he refuse to eat. I have offered all his favorites, tilapia, shrimp, krill, etc. A week went by and he still would not eat. I got concerned and took him out and put him back in the 180g and the same day, he was eating like always. My question to the experts; Is it possible that a fish can get sad or feel emotion? Or have a bond with there owner, just like a dog? Any input would be much appreciated. Thank you in advance…
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Well, I thank everyone with there suggestions. I will figure something out. Thanks for all the positive feedback. Stay safe all:)
 
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I'm sure you have considered this, but just in case...is the pond the same temperature as the 180? A pond on the floor of the basement will need much more heater capacity, both in total and also in watts/gallon, to maintain an optimal temperature as opposed to an aquarium on a stand in the upper level of the house.

Beyond that...this isn't a dog pining away for its missing owner...it's a fish. Provide it with the basic essentials, to include proper temperature and water conditions, and sufficient cover to minimize stress. Maybe make sure the light isn't excessively bright. When it gets hungry enough, it will eat.
 
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