How to feed the fish that won't eat

DRC Archive General Saltwater Discussion
1

I have posted this elsewhere but thought it could be helpful for those who have not seen it. I fed this clown for > 1 month by this method, no other food, to see if it could be done. A friend kept an anorexic shark alive for over 4 months this way until it finally ate on its own. They usually do come around but need more time than their reserves allow.

If you ever need to tried this, just ask, I have the supplies and can walk you through it if needed.

I someone knows how to embed a youtube video here please let me know.

2

Ok ive got to hear the narrative behind this. Why the measuring cup? What/how much is being fed by the syringe? Why use a seperate bowl of water after the feeding?

3

Sure, the measuring cup is used because the tricaine is dosed mg/ml. As for how much to feed. I usually weight the amount of food I think the fist could eat. For example I will put 5 mysis shrimp on the scale, determine the weight and use that amount of gruel. Mazuri makes a nice powder. I use pedialyte instead of water to dilute enough to push through the tube. The separate bowl is unmediated tank water. Dumping an anesthetized fish back into the tank is asking for trouble. It is better to revive the fish first. I have been doing this for years with sharks and just wanted to see if would be successful with fish too. It is.

4

That is awesome. ::thumbsup::

I have followed your posts on RC and appreciate you sharing your knowledge and experience on this subject.

5

Ahhh didnt realize the fish was being medicated in the measuring cup. Thought you just found a way to get them to settle down.

Would love step-by-step details behind this. Would make the video make more sense to block heads like me that need everything spelled out.

6

Interesting subject. Didn’t think one would go to that extreme to medicate or feed a fish. I thought maybe a scientist or biologist would be doing such thing. It is a good to know in case one one would like to do it. Thank you for sharing.

7

There is narration on the video, but I think it doesn’t always show on mobile devices or Ipads. You should be able to see it on a desktop.

The fish medicine thing is something that I have been working on for a while. With the time and effort I invest in a fish, I try to take all measures to feed, medicate, save the thing. It has also allowed me to purchase and be successful with some difficult ones I would not otherwise try.

Also, I have local sources for pharmaceutical grade meds such as chloroquine, praziquantil, and abx of course, if your are in emergent need.

I been using chloroquine for about 2 years now and IMO nothing is better for velvet and possibly Ich. I also have a pathology lab and can do biopsies and smears to help identify certain pathogens if needed.