Feeding Congo Tetras

[idlefingers]

I have a new tank which was running for about a week before I added 4 congo tetras (this weekend just gone). The guys at my fish shop recommended them because they'd be good, hardy starter fish (apparently) and said they need to be in a group of at least 6, but my tank can't handle it yet, so to come back the following weekend to pick up another 2.

I waited 24hrs before feeding them the first time and they snapped up a good load of food when I fed them the first time. They were very cautious and timid, but seemed fine when the food came out and went back to hiding afterwards.

They're still hiding all the time - but only when the light's on in the tank (is this normal?) and when I come anywhere near the tank, they hide which is starting to make feeding difficult. I just tried feeding them and because I was in front of the tank (dropping food in), they wouldn't budge and just watched the food sink down to the bottom.

After I moved away, they ate a little bit, but most of it's just settled in cracks and crevices around the tank.

So, my (long, drawn-out) question is; how can I feed them when they refuse to come out of hiding? Is it because there's just 4 of them that they could feel intimidated?

Thanks for any help!

 

[idlefingers]

Well I managed to get them to eat by using flake food rather than sinking erm.. things. The flake food sits on the top for a bit and they grab some and then get more as it drops. I guess the sinking food was sinking too fast for them or something.

They're starting to come out of their shell a bit now, too. Even coming out when the lights on (a bit) now!

Hopefully they'll relax once I add their other two mates.

 

[Lateral Line]

I assume your tank is not cycled, and that you are using the Congo's as cycling fish.

Using any fish for cycling is always risky, and Congos are far from a good choice, it would not surprise me if you loose some/all of them. Zebra Danios or Platys are much tougher.

Many tetras will pick a little food from the bottom, but they are not bottom feeders as a rule. Congos are mid water active swimming fish, not prone to poking around the sand. Sinking food is never going to be ideal.

Recently rehoused fish are always skittish. They tend to settle after a few days. That said, in a cycling situation, the fish will have additional stress factors to contend with. Odd behaviour is quite likely.

 

[idlefingers]

I assume your tank is not cycled, and that you are using the Congo's as cycling fish.

Using any fish for cycling is always risky, and Congos are far from a good choice, it would not surprise me if you loose some/all of them. Zebra Danios or Platys are much tougher.

Many tetras will pick a little food from the bottom, but they are not bottom feeders as a rule. Congos are mid water active swimming fish, not prone to poking around the sand. Sinking food is never going to be ideal.

Recently rehoused fish are always skittish. They tend to settle after a few days. That said, in a cycling situation, the fish will have additional stress factors to contend with. Odd behaviour is quite likely.

They seem much happier now and are eating flakes every time I offer them. The people at the fish shop had recommended the sinking food for them and said that's what they were using so I just followed their advice (They also suggested the congos as good, hardy starter fish and, as a novice, I wouldn't know otherwise).

Thanks for the advice.

 

[aaronc]

I have 8 juvenile congo tetra in my 125l tank and they never hide in the plants, and my tank is heavily planted. I would say they are stressed out, probably as a result of the water quality.

I would very careful not too over feed, especially given that you are doing a fish cycle

Aaron