Feeding Fish

[Beggs]

Hi,

I have a tiger barb, golden tiger barb, green moss barb and a red tailed shark. When i feed my fish the three barbs contend for the food and chase each other around while the shark seems to be oblivious of it all. I dont think i have seen the shark eat a single flake. Is this normal???


Thanks,
Beggs

 

[fufanu360]

is it a red-tailed-black shark? or a red tailed shark that gets to like 3 feet long?
also those barbs are supposed to be kept in groups of 5 or more... what size of tank is it?

 

[sylvia]

Yes... barbs are very quick, competitive eaters. But how long have you had the shark? If you've had it for just a few days, it simply hasn't adjusted yet. If you've had it for over 2 weeks and it isn't looking any skinnier, it's getting food from somewhere so don't worry... If it's somewhere in between, look out for signs of the shark losing weight or deteriorating condition and act accodringly. The shark might adapt to its new environment and start being a little more competitive at feeding time anyway.

 

[sylvia]

The barb number - 7 or more is better for tiger barbs and other nippy barbs.

 

[Beggs]

alright thansk for the advise guys

thanks,
Beggs

 

[Mr Miagi]

when u feed them, u could hold the flake food under the water for a couple of seconds and it will quikly sink to the bottom where the red tailed shark can feed easily, without the three little terrors, lol. I had a red tailed black shark once, and he prevented most of the other fish from eating. Not the other way round!

 

[mwm]

Red tails are scavengers all mine does is look for food and chase my tiger barbs around alllll day. He will sometimes come up to eat but not alot