Hooded Butterfly fish

[jggav66]

Could not resist this fish when I was in Aquarium Village over the weekend. Fish is swimming around looks great but just not eating. Wonder if anyone has had success with this fish. I have no corals for him to feed on. I may get some feather dusters to see if this helps. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[marrone]

If you're talking about a Chaetodon larvatus, they're polyp eaters, very hard to keep without a supply for them to eat.

http://www.manhattanreefs.com/forum/fish-database/22958-chaetodon-larvatus.html?filter[17]=Butterfly

 

[LongIslandAndy]

You could try the a fresh clam . Break the live clam open with a hammer and drop it into the tank. If it is uneaten after a few hours remove it. The other thing you could try is live black worms. If he is housed with other fish he will get the idea from watching them eat
Good Luck

 

[jggav66]

Yes Thats the fish

I know they are difficult to keep and have read on line they feed on corals. I currently only have live rock. He seems to be picking at the rock but not so much. I watched a few youtube videos and see some picking from clam. will try this tomorrow. I have had success with fish which are difficult to keep. Currently have Hawaiian cleaner which eats everything. Had him for 6 months now. Also have a green spot goby which is still swimming and eating. Not sure what but he is still going. Another fish is the pink tile fish eats like a pig. So with that said I figured why not try this butterfly. I wonder if he eventually is hungry will start to pick at something I throw in the tank. Forgot to mention my male ventralis anthias another fish I read id difficult to keep. Hope for the best and appreciate the response.

 

[jggav66]

Thanks Marrone

I will try the clam tomorrow.

 

[jggav66]

Thanks andy

I will try clams and muscles tomorrow

 

[marrone]

There is a big difference between getting difficult fish to eat and having them eat the correct things to live. In this case the chance are very very slim.

 

[jggav66]

I agree

Marrone I agree if the fish does not have the proper diet it's chances are slim. Although through adaptation some prove to be survivors. Not sure if this one is a survivor. I will try the clam to night as well as some feather dusters. The videos I viewed on YouTube show that these fish can adapt. Not trying to change mother nature just looking to give these fish a good home. Appreciate your input as this is what the hobby and forum are for.