new polypterus is not eating

downset21

Fire Eel
MFK Member
Nov 6, 2005
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Quincy, MA
I just purchased an 8" polypterus (i'll have a pic because I'm not sure on ID). it's not eating yet and I've tried ghost shrimp, krill, silversides, earthworms, and pellets.. should i try dropping food in there at night? are they particularly picky eaters?
 

DanProwse

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Oct 4, 2007
217
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UK
when i got my smaller (about 8") poly i got him eating first on bloodworms, then after a few days he started taking prawns and silversides aswell..
 

killerfish

Fire Eel
MFK Member
Jan 30, 2007
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colorado
give it a little time to adjust and adding food at night would be better but then it would be harder to tell if hes eating
 

downset21

Fire Eel
MFK Member
Nov 6, 2005
1,208
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Quincy, MA
thanks a lot. He is still not eating and doesnt really move for that matter, but it's only been 2 days so we'll see what happens.
 

Cohazard

Arapaima
MFK Member
Jul 13, 2005
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Two days isn't much. I recently picked up a small del that didn't eat the first two days.

It will snap out of the hunger strike on it's own.

A good idea would be to keep it in a Q tank and offer no food for a few days, that way there are no smells to keep it thinking it has a readily available supply of food. Then after a few days offer some and see what happens.

You should get a very excited to eat bichir using that method :D

hth
 

channarox

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Nov 27, 2007
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2 days aint much.
my lap didnt eat until 3 days after i got him.
my first ornate would go on regular 3-5 day hunger strikes.
 

amesbien

Gambusia
MFK Member
Sep 20, 2006
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The Moon
I would try putting food in at night. I had a Lap that just refused to eat when the lights were on.
 
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