New Coral Beauty won't eat!

[marquesalan]

I purchased a Coral Beauty 3 days ago at a LFS. It was eating fine, has no blemishes and incredible color. It has been in my QT and will not eat. It has only been three days but I have tried pellet and flake food soaked in garlic plus Seaweed Selects. Please help since she won't eat at all!
Is three days really that long for a new fish that seems very scared and hides all the time?

[steve1s]

Very normal behavour for a dwarf angel. I remember a lemonpeel I had that would only graze the rock. It was about two weeks before it actually took to the prepared foods.

I would not recommend this as an ongoing diet, but it can entice fussy eaters. Soak some mysid or brine in garlic for about 10-15 min (probably what was used at the LFS?). Only a few drops. Just before you feed, add one or two drops to the water. Don't add too much or you will overstimulate the senses and confuse the fishs' natural abilities to zone in on the food.

It is reasonabley successful. I would be cautious of using it too much. Garlic can affect nitrates in a small space like a QT so use sparingly. I would also only feed like normal. Do not introduce constant additions of various food types in hopes of finding something it likes. If you are trying something new, use very little. If it accepts the food then you on the way without polluting the tank.

Once you find something it likes keep going with that. It will be much easier to wein it to something healthier once in the main display tank.

Cheers
Steve

[kmrobins]

I had the same problem with my CB...magic day was day 4...and he starting coming to the top like the rest. You can also try Seaweed strips. Mine loves this, and if he is a little scared of your presence, he will eat when you are not around.

[phistio]

it seems like mysis/mysid shrimp are golden to fish with no appetite. got a fish friend, and he swears, if they don't eat the mysid, they won't eat anything... :wink:

[marquesalan]

What type of shrimp is that? Is it different than freeze dried shrimp or frozen?

[steve1s]

Mysis Shrimp (http://www.premiumaquatics.com/thestore/prods/MYSIS-4OZ.html) (fresh water) and Mysid shrimp (salt water) are sold frozen.

Cheers
Steve

[marquesalan]

I buy San Francisco Bay Brand gumdrops frozen shrimp. Is that the same thing or does it specifically say which type of shrimp it is?

[steve1s]

I beleive the San Fran (http://www.sfbb.com/products/fishfoodproducts.htm) branded product is mysis shrimp.

They do have several frozen products, but there is only one listed that does say shrimp in the description. They could also be a shrimplike product. If it's not clear on the label. I would suggest sending them an e-mail.... :wink:

Cheers
Steve