Vieja argentea question

[Freshy]

Hi,

My 4inches Vieja argentea is a fussy eater. Previous owner only feeds it with JBL novobits.

I tried to feed it Hikari pellets (cichlid bio gold, lionhead sinking, algae wafer, carnivorous) but it eats nothing except JBL novobits.

It is staying alone now. Do I have to get another cichlid to teach the argentea how to eat Hikari pellet?

Or should I just starve it for a few more days? But I'm worried as it is currently only eating just a few tiny bits of novobits daily.

Also, I notice that its forehead black marking is turning greyish. Is it a stress sign? Or is it due to water condition or diet?

Your advice/help/comment highly appreciated.

 

[Modest_Man]

Don't worry about them not eating for a few days. Even a couple weeks isn't a huge deal. Fast it for a week and it should take to pellets easily. Mine has never had a problem with anything. It's getting the other fish food that is tough.

The black coloration comes and goes, it depends on mood, which can be influenced by temp, water quality, tankmates, etc.

Good luck.

 

[ewok]

yeah... i agree about the starving thing.
i converted my most fastidious eaters by just ignoring them for a few days. every couple of days just drop 1-2 pellets into the water and see what happens. after a week or so their stomaches override their brains and they will eat.

 

[ShadowStryder]

All of mine eat anything I throw in there have since I got them.
Wish it was that easy with my Marmorata.

 

[Freshy]

Thanks everyone. Saw it eat 1 pellet just now..reluctantly..
I guess it is getting hungry.

Another question: What's the growth rate of this vieja? Is it fast?

I have a nicaraguensis grow from 2" to 4" within a month.

 

[Modest_Man]

Mine's averaging about 1" a month. Lots of variables for growth though.

 

[Freshy]

Thanks Modest_Man!
Will have to source for a bigger tank for my argentea soon.

Share a pic of it.

 

[Modest_Man]

It is pretty skinny. When a fish is down on their fat reserves I'm leery of fasting for more than a few days. If it was a fat healthy fish, a couple weeks wouldn't be a problem. Just keep an eye on it.

Here's my little male at 4".

Does SEA mean Seattle?

 

[Freshy]

Yup, it was quite skinny when I took over from my friend. He was overseas and this poor argentea doesn't get to eat for a week.

Wow! Yours is a beauty! I need to quickly nurse mine back to health.

Will be getting some Hikari excel pellets later for a more balanced diet.

What other food do you feed to the argentea? Ever tried green peas?

Btw, SEA = South East Asia. I'm from Singapore

 

[Modest_Man]

Btw, SEA = South East Asia. I'm from Singapore

Heh. I was WAY off.

Mine gets fed Tetra flake, Hikari Cichlid gold, earthworms, and freeze dried krill. I haven't tried peas for these guys yet.

Best of luck with the little guy.