Angel not eating

[ZigZagZombie]

Bought a bi-color a few days ago. As of today it is doing great except it is not eating. It picks at the alge off the rocks all day. Is this their food of choice?? Or what would be the best food to feed him?? I have also put in some dried alge that you put on a clip. Does not touch that either (Tang loves it though) Any thoughts......

 

[fish esq.]

Don't take this as a flame, but if you did research on this particular species, I'm sure you know that the prospects of sucessfully maintaining this fish is even at best. You may want to try live brine shrimp to get its appetite going. I've also had success with freeze dried krill or shrimp for even finicky eaters.

Aside from the algae, what else have you tried so far?

 

[ZigZagZombie]

I've tried frozen brine and flake.

 

[Anonymous]

It seems like bicolors don't ship real well. They do great in Oz, where many come from. That being said, if he is picking at the rocks he is eating. Many fish take a week or 2 to start eating in a tank. Don't fret it.

 

[fish esq.]

If you can get it, try a live brine shrimp. The moving targets really seem to perk up some slow eaters. Also, my fish eat frozen brine better when there is some water movement in the tank; I think it fools them into thinking the brine are live.

You may want to consider making your own from seafood (fish, shrimp, clams, etc.), or at least putting 1 or 2 pieces to see how the fish reacts.

Also, depending upon the size of your tank, the fish may be getting enough food from the liverock. That being said, I'd encourage you to keep on trying to get it to eat to ensure that the fish's long-term prospects are good.

Let us know how things work out.

 

[ZigZagZombie]

Thanks guys for all the advice. I will try the LFS for live brine. I'm not to worried. Like i said he is picking at the rocks and seems real happy. Will let you know what happens.....

 

[firefishpat]

Thats a good sign that he's picking. Like the others stated go with live brime shrimp. He should love them. In a few days you should see him eat almost anything. Good luck and keep us posted. I never had any problems with angels.