Fig 8 Won't Eat

[pavetheforest]

Hi, I've had a Figure 8 puffer for about 4 months now, 30 gal tank, water temp/salinity/nitrate levels all fine...but he wont eat, just a bite or two then he swims around like an idiot. Frozen bloodworms are what i primarily feed it, snails once every week/2 weeks and brine shimp live/frozen a few times a week. Any idea what's up? He's getting very sickly looking.

 

[pavetheforest]

this can be removed as i did not notice an earlier topic discussing this. thanks all.

 

[Fella]

Let us know how you get on though!

 

[babyduke]

Hi, I've had a Figure 8 puffer for about 4 months now, 30 gal tank, water temp/salinity/nitrate levels all fine...but he wont eat, just a bite or two then he swims around like an idiot. Frozen bloodworms are what i primarily feed it, snails once every week/2 weeks and brine shimp live/frozen a few times a week. Any idea what's up? He's getting very sickly looking.

Any luck? Mine hasn't eaten for a few weeks now and have gotten very skinny. I'm surprised he's lasted this long.

 

[rob newland]

Try frozen cockles or prawns. Mine loves em and i have never had any trouble getting him to eat them.
Hope you get him eating...
Rob

 

[DarkEntity]

Most young puffers are used to live foods not frozen etc. try a bit of cockle etc on a string and dangle it infront of him worked for my TT

 

[Opcn]

Live worms, Live snails, Live shrimp, Live daphnia, Live guppy fry, Live anything. Live foods really stimulate feeding. Also check for parasites.

 

[babyduke]

Try frozen cockles or prawns. Mine loves em and i have never had any trouble getting him to eat them.
Hope you get him eating...
Rob

What are frozen cockles? Are they small enough to for them to eat as a whole piece or are you talking about the meaty part of the shell fish?

 

[F.O.H]

mussels in shells they cant resist them the smell and determination to gt to the food makes them eat.

 

[rob newland]

frozen cockles are basically small shellfish, frozen. You just plop one in a cup of hot water for a bit to defrost it, then crack it open (GENTLY!) with a hammer and your puff should eat it.
Puffs like variety in their meals - they will certainly appreciate it.
Rob

 

[MadCatter]

I agree to try some life food, and perhaps make sure the snails you are feeding are actually being eaten by your puffer - if I have too large of a snail, I have to crush up the shell a little bit, otherwise he isn't strong enough to break it apart. Mine also used to refuse anything except live ghost shrimp (exciting to watch him hunt), now he's given up on the shrimp because he realizes that freeze-dried bloodworms are much easier, and just as tasty. Still dive-bombs the snails though!

Has your puffer started eating any more? Have you tried anything new?

 

[voo]

try adding some garlic to the water you defrost the frozen food in. Garlic helps to stimulate their appetite.

 

[gsta13]

try adding some garlic to the water you defrost the frozen food in. Garlic helps to stimulate their appetite.

Is that right? not heard tht beforw!, learn summet new every day.
Greg

 

[DarkEntity]

Yip, garlic is a natural appitiser that works rather well with Puffers.

 

[Fella]

Works with all fish really, I've had rasboras attacking my hand after cooking because of it.