Frozen (but defrosted) bloodworms, brineshrimp and prawn/ shrimp are all usually taken. Prawn is the most nutritious, then bloodworms then brineshrimp. Some shops sells Marine Mix, which is a combination of prawn, fish & squid blended up and frozen into small cubes. Marine Mix is usually better than prawn alone but if you can't find it then buy some raw frozen prawns and keep them in the freezer. Take 1 prawn and remove the head, shell and intestine (thin black tube that runs thru the body) and throw them in the bin. Cut the remaining prawn into small bits and put them back in the freezer. Keep 1 bit out and use a pr of scissors to cut the prawn into small bits and offer a few bits at a time until the fish are full.
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re: fish in pain. If the fish stops eating then it is usually past the point of return and that is when they should be euthanized.
Thanks again for the helpful information. I know my shop sells a variety of frozen foods for fish so I will check into it. What kinds of tetracycline based meds would you recommend? Is API General Cure one?
On the plus side he still has a good appetite. I fed him what I currently have which was a couple of tiny pieces of freeze dried bloodworms and a small pellet and he ate them immediately. This time I didn't soak the bloodworm pieces but they were so small he took them no problem. Last time I tried them I soaked them in water for 20 mins and he spit it out.
Also when changing his water there was a piece of his waste on the bottom and it was pale and not brown like it should be. He seems to have no issues with constipation though.