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ravi197699

Thruster
Vendor
Location
Hicksville
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hi mr my Japanese swallowtail is not eating, its in qt tank, I have tried regular food reef spectrum and frozen Mysis shrips and blood worm, but she is moving around though. need help what else should I try .
 

tomtoothdoc

GOLFER WANNABE
Location
north jersey
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390   0   0
is it swimming normally?....not herky jerky? herky jerky can be sign of swimming bladder problem.
is it male or female? male don't fare as well....
turn off the lights, put in some pvc for hiding and try live tigger pods or live black worms.
gl.
 

Geraud

Advanced Reefer
Location
Manhattan
Rating - 100%
51   0   0
To entice feeding responses, you should try garlic extract. Garlic Xtreme from Kent worked wonders for me. It is even sold at Petco...

Just add one drop of it to the thawing food, and voila. It makes the quietest of fish think he is a shark during a feeding frenzy.
 

tomtoothdoc

GOLFER WANNABE
Location
north jersey
Rating - 100%
390   0   0
where I can get live black worms

not sure about long island but some lfs here in jersey carry them.
try reaching out to paul b. -he feeds his fish live black worm. perhaps he can guide you to the source. he's in port washington.

gabe...i have my betta for over 4-5 months and never seen it ate more than 1 or 2 mysis at a time. i heard the same about what albano said.....a buddy has the betta for several years now and he hardly saw it ate.
 
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finksmart

SPS Fanatic
Vendor
Location
Flushing
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268   0   0
If the fish was healthy to begin with, then it probably lacks confidence, and isn't feeling comfortable/safe. It won't feed under such a condition. Same as a fish won't eat in a bucket (most won't) or in a bag because it feels unnatural, or a bare tank. Their priority is to feel safe first, find food second. Ensure there's plenty of space for it to hide. Build a mountain with PVC if you have to. Keep light dim. Approach tank slowly (for the really shy fish). Give your fish time to adjust to the new surrounding and build confidence.

Fish also learn to eat by watching others. I had success with using a few chromis and hardy anthias in my QT to get the regal angels and moorish idol to eat with them.

Also, this is if you can keep up with WC. Feed like crazy. Bombard the tank with lots of food. Do this a few times and slowly they will start to taste the food, even if it spits it out, it's a good sign. It means the fish is ready to feed. Of course, do your WC.

There are other ways too. It just takes some time. Don't give up. If one way doesn't work, change it up. I would only try different food if the fish is spitting out your first food. Otherwise if they are not even looking at food, IME they are not ready to feed. Their primary concern - feeling safe and confident - needs to be fulfilled first.
 

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