Chevron Tang Ctenochaetus hawaiiensis not eating

[oldsaint]

It's only been two days. But, I haven't seen him eat yet. I've tried black worms, enriched mysis, nori, and pellets for herbivors. He will run up to the pieces like he's about to eat it then backs off. I have seem him picking at the brown dusting on the back glass but that's it. Going to my LFS to see what they were feeding. But, any ideas or am I being overly cautious for only two. days.

 

[mfinn]

Is this a new fish?

Any place in your area to get live brine?

 

[oldsaint]

Yes new fish. Went throught a fresh water dip and a two part "Safety Stop" dip. Fish acclimated very well and was very active from the start.

 

[oldsaint]

Oh I meant to say live enriched brine not mysis.

 

[mfinn]

Did you see him eat at the store before you bought him?
What did they offer it?

If you did, it may just be that he needs a little more time.

Also, I even hate to mention it ( I don't believe in it), but some people swear that garlic stimulates eating.
There are some garlic additives ( soak food in?) that some stores stock.

 

[spieszak]

Tried rubber banding the nori to a rock instead of using a clip? Sometimes that makes for a more natural feeding response...

 

[oldsaint]

Haven't tried Garlic but did try nori soaked in Selcon.

Stacy I did that. He didn't pay any attention to it. I left it in he tank about an hour. Then pulled it out and broke it up but still nothing.

 

[spieszak]

Only other thing I've had luck with for picky eaters if formula two flake. I think its the squid, but I have never had a fish refuse it (for long) Hard to be ok feeding flake for most for long, but just to get them looking at anything prepared, it seems to have worked for me.

 

[oldsaint]

Looks like PE Mysis did the trick. I'm just not sure that's going to be good long term. Next feeding I'll try mixing in some nori and pellets soaked in garlic.

 

[WayneLScott]

In my experience as every fish is different, unless in the QT it takes a few days for the fish to get adjusted to their new environment. By him at least picking on the glass IMO is a good sign as those family of tangs are always picking no matter what.


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