Why wont he eat?

[dawsonkid]

I recently bought a 4-5" labled " brown african knifefish". He is active somethimes when the lights are off. He hasn't eaten in front of me. Is this normal for new knifes to do?

 

[mamapuff]

Mine was pretty shy at first. Try blood worms, and turn the lights off. Then sit really still and watch. How long have you had him for?

 

[dawsonkid]

I've had him for about two day

 

[Jakob]

Dont worry, they tend not to eat the first days/weeks. Try leaving some bloodworms in his tank overnight, usually works. Some fish also dont like being watched when eating.
I have an Astatheros Alfari that i have had for more than 6 months and i have seen it eat twice. Always fat tho.

 

[MXZ]

this is normal behavior.. he is settling in the new environment.. when he's ready he will eat.. nothing to worry about..

good luck and all the best..

 

[TwistedPenguin]

Very normal. He'll probably never come out with the lights on to eat. My 1st one several years ago never did come out unless it was night time, all lights were out except his red light and the room was dark. The one I have now will come out during the day all the time but only if his tank lights are off.

 

[mamapuff]

Yep, just getting used to his new home. He will start to eat, no worries. Try frozen bloodworms, they usually can't resist

 

[tyndall72]

Ya just give him a few days.. some fish will do that when put in a new enviorment. just give him a few days and he will begin to come out and eat

 

[dawsonkid]

Alright people, thanks. is it normal for them to move furniture, (rocks) around in his little shunkin ship.... he has been doing that. its very odd.

 

[TwistedPenguin]

He's telling you your decorator skills suck and he's taking over the job
Don't take it personal, my Oscars tell me this all the time. It's a fish thing.