Secrets Of The Ghost Whisperer..? I Need Some Tips

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moonchild1970

BICHIR BABE
MFK Member
Feb 21, 2008
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Spokane, WA
It is my understanding that all BGK's are wild caught.

My problem is that my 8 inch BGK, Snooky, that I've had a few weeks never comes out of her/his cave. :(

They say the only way to see him or her out is to have more than one BGK.

But that if you have more than one that they fight. But I only want one anyhow.

So.... should I just take her cave away awhile and place a see thru tube, in there, or is that too mean and will it traumatize her?

Snooky had given up the plastic tube for that cave.
Even booted all the Sens out...lol. :grinno:

I have tried, but cannot train her to hand feed, so I've just been sticking pieces of food though the cave opening and Snooky will in turn,stick her nose out through the opening when she hears me, and then go back in the cave and eat right away but won't come out of her cave, til lights out.

So she is getting better....but still a ways to go.

Now while I know all this is normal. Will it get better?


I mean how long does it take to gain their trust? She is such a gorgeous fish I'd lvoe to see her out and about.

I even keep lights out during the day in hopes she will come around.
 
Moonchild 1970: Your BGK is not only a Ghost Knife, but it is young...I disagree with folks that state there needs to be more than one Ghost Knife in order for your BGK to come out of his/her cave. What needs to happen is that trust occurs between you and your BGK which can only happen with time. My recommendation is that you do not take away his/her cave...just be patient and allow the time it takes for your unique fish to bond with you. I have seen your posts and I know that you love your fish...so...keep doing what you do and know that at some point you will see your BGK respond to and /or trust you. I am keenly aware that I am no fish expert, but the fish I have, have shown me the most amazing response to my love for them, while my partner takes care of the details, such as water changes. I think you are on track...
 
moonchild1970;1725928; said:
I have tried, but cannot train her to hand feed, so I've just been sticking pieces of food though the cave opening and Snooky will in turn,stick her nose out through the opening when she hears me, and then go back in the cave and eat right away but won't come out of her cave, til lights out.

So she is getting better....but still a ways to go.

Now while I know all this is normal. Will it get better?


I mean how long does it take to gain their trust? She is such a gorgeous fish I'd lvoe to see her out and about.

I even keep lights out during the day in hopes she will come around.
Click to expand...

give it at least 3 months or so to recognize your smell, keep putting foods inside his/her cave and one day you'll notice that you are handfeeding your ghost. This process may take a while but its well worthed. ;)
 
will just take some time move your hand in slowly to that can help and wash your hands we'll any kind of soap or lotion will give a bad scent to them and be a real turn off but the main thing is that like said it needs to gain your trust right know it thinks your a predator soon it will learn your not going to harm it and will give it food then it will have no problem being hand feed

If you don't see it often then buy a clear plastic tube for it to hide in they have very poor eye sight and use electric pluses to see instead so a clear tube in no different then a black tube to them if you take away the place its hideing in know it will stress it a little and may make it take longer for it to be hand feed but you'll be able to see your knife and it will settle down in no time so i'd say its worth it or just add a clear tube and wait a little while and at night put some food in it the polys may get it but its worth a shot
 
Yeah Snooky used to like the tube:

IMG_6140.jpg


But now could care less for the plastic tube once she discovered....
THE CAVE!!

IMG_5749.jpg




IMG_5708.jpg
 
you are aware that all black ghosts are blind and nocturnal...8 inches is not a baby but an adult about 1 year old...they do everything through electrical impulses, if a fish bites the ghost on its tail the ghost sends a slight shock to the fish as a defense. I would leave the cave in as that is now the ghosts home and removing it can cause stress. ghosts are very sensitive and hard to keep, not for the beginner by any stretch.
 
my bgk sparky was very shy at first but now that ive had him for a few months he will come out and swim around quite often
 
I have a big tree in my tank for my ghost...I pull out the tree a couple times a week just to interact with it and when I do it comes right into my hand and stays there...they are by far the most interesting fish I have ever owned not to mention one of the more graceful fish you can get...just keep putting your hands in the tank and if she comes out try to cradle her in your hand mine seems to love that. you can also look her over to make sure she is nice and healthy
 
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