Weaning Puffer To Dead Foods

[lilacamy931]

Any tips. The puffer in question is my miurus who I have had about a couple of weeks. My main aim in the first week was to settle in and fatten a little but I am having no luck getting him weaned to dead foods. Currently feeding on gut loaded river shrimp. So far tried mussel - used feeding tongs to mimic movement, he took a bite after hour of bouncing and spat most out Also tried earthworms which thought would be a sure winner but likes to follow them as float them around in feeding tongs, no nipping or tasting.

Considering getting whitebait/silversides but dont want to end up with a bag of fish if wont take them, also dont wish to go the live feeder route as points mentioned in various previous threads.

The general routine is bounce the food for 1/2 hour to an hour each night, I went 5 days without feeding one week trying this but caved as he is small and want him to eat!

 

[nmonks]

T. miurus should eat a range of foods, not just live foods, and isn't normally difficult to feed. One recommendation I'd make is to not feed him for 3-4 days, and then offer some frozen foods. Like all fish he can safely go without food for a long period of time, easily a couple of weeks, so "starving" him a bit to whet the appetite is harmless.

There's no need for feeder fish at all, but earthworms and woodlice are two foods you can get from the garden that puffers enjoy. Plus, terrestrial invertebrates don't carry the same risk of introducing diseases as live aquatic foods.

Rather than buying a thing of lancefish, experiment with some white fish from the supermarket, for example tilapia or pollack; these are cheap, easy to get, and you can buy them for yourself primarily and just let your puffer have the trimmings. Alternatively, I buy whatever white fish is on special offer, chop it into small bits, and freeze the whole lot in a tupperware container. I can then pull out however much I need. Most fish enjoy pulverised white fish meat even if they aren't especially predatory -- tetras, catfish, loaches, etc. -- so this is an economical way to feed them.

Cheers, Neale

 

[lilacamy931]

Thanks Neale as always I shall go fish shopping lol! We are on day two of not feeding so a couple more wont hurt as you say, I shall have to resist and he will eat what he is given lol. Had to learn the hard way with the fahaka who has been in a major strop for the last couple of weeks and only been tempted to the odd earthworm, sigh, they are worst than kids He hasnt lost much girth so not overly concerned at the moment.

 

[nmonks]

This will sound daft, but my fish get frisky when I have my lunch in front of them. Try eating something in front of the puffer. I think some fish -- especially puffers -- are plenty smart enough to learn to associate us with food.

Earthworms are like crack cocaine to most fish. Some councils have grants for composters. You might see if you can get one cheaply, and then compost stuff yourself. The result will be a limitless supply of yummy worms.

Cheers, Neale

Thanks Neale as always I shall go fish shopping lol! We are on day two of not feeding so a couple more wont hurt as you say, I shall have to resist and he will eat what he is given lol. Had to learn the hard way with the fahaka who has been in a major strop for the last couple of weeks and only been tempted to the odd earthworm, sigh, they are worst than kids He hasnt lost much girth so not overly concerned at the moment.

 

[lilacamy931]

No I like your thinking, make them jealous and hungry! Puffers are far too intelligent in my opinion and know how to tickle our buttons!

That is a great idea! I have been ordering small batches from someone off ebay, we have space for one and it would be great for our leftovers I shall report back