Walking catfish, new diet ok?

[Z Trip]

I has owned my walker since it was very tiny, now its about 10" long and has been that length for some time now. I've noticed that its refusing to eat the regular food I give it.

I recently picked up a couple of Ornate bichirs and I don't seem to be eating the food I gave them so I decided to buy some rosy red minnows.

The second I put in the minnows, the catfish inhalled like 4 minnows. And was still looking for more when I left the room. Is it ok to feed him this? Like now he's eating.

 

[fishlover88]

It's ok, i guess. I would try other types of live food. Earth worms, krill, cut up pieces of frozen silversides. Set up a 30 a breed convicts.

You could also try massivore or carnivore pellets by hikari.

The problem with the rosies as you probably already know is that they increase the risk of introducing paracites to your fish, as well as they arent incredibly healthy anyways.

I only offer my fish rosies as a treat maybe once a month if that. Walking cats will eat, i wouldnt worry about it not eating the food you give it. Try not feeding it a few days and then try its normal food again.

 

[Z Trip]

It's ok, i guess. I would try other types of live food. Earth worms, krill, cut up pieces of frozen silversides. Set up a 30 a breed convicts.

You could also try massivore or carnivore pellets by hikari.

The problem with the rosies as you probably already know is that they increase the risk of introducing paracites to your fish, as well as they arent incredibly healthy anyways.

I only offer my fish rosies as a treat maybe once a month if that. Walking cats will eat, i wouldnt worry about it not eating the food you give it. Try not feeding it a few days and then try its normal food again.

I find that the catfish spits like everything out. I know all about the introduction of diseases, but I will take that risk because I would rather have it eat then starve

 

[frogman5]

get some frozen silversides or bloodworms or beefheart dont just feed him rosey reds they have close to no nutrition and they can introduce deadly parasites

 

[random fish guy]

get some frozen silversides or bloodworms or beefheart dont just feed him rosey reds they have close to no nutrition and they can introduce deadly parasites

I agree

 

[fishlover88]

I understand that its getting finicky. But i've never heard of a walking cat starving to death. I would start by going a few days, if not a week and then try again. Something I think we all kind of forget from time to time is that most fish dont eat every day. So i would start with this than risk my fish dying from a parasite. If after three weeks your fish still isnt eating then i would start to worry.


I've heard of dats going months without eating. Your cat could even be thrown off by the addition of the dats. But thats just my suggestion. Good luck.

 

[mariuzj5]

My walking catfish is about 14" long now and I watch for cues as to when to feed her. Generally when she cruises around the tank like she's hunting for something it's time to give her food. I dangle earthworms and she takes them from my fingers. She also takes algae tablets, freeze-dried tubiflex cubes and cooked shrimp from my fingers. I have in the past given her my pet cat's kibble although it really isn't recommended on a regular basis. I only give her what I can hand feed her; this way nothing sits and rots on the bottom of the tank. Her gourami tank mates eat flake food which my walker occassionaly competes for.

Some days she eats voraciously and other days she can't be bothered to eat at all.