BTA Reduced Size Over Time

[bnaef17]

Hi everyone.

Having an issue with my BTA which has been in the tank for aprox 3 months now. The specimen was healthy at introduction and acclimated well. Moved around for about a day but settled in soon after and hasn't moved since. The problem i'm concerned with is the reduction of overall size/mass (reduced by about half) over the few months. The nem is sticky and responds well to Mysis feedings - only feed about twice per month.

I am a bit baffled because it doesn't appear to be un-happy or lost any coloration. Just got smaller...

Tank is a stable 3 year old 35 gal (primarily SPS) with Radion Pro at 55% intensity.

Any comments, suggestions, or examples would be appreciated. I think my next experiment is to increase level of feeding but I know these guys should still thrive without supplemental food so im not sure that will solve my problem.

Thanks!

 

[domb54]

If your lighting is good try a different food such as krill or raw shrimp probably needs to be fed more often to grow I feed 2-3 times a week to grow 1-2 times a month and they grow slowly

 

[bnaef17]

Yeah I guess I will try a heavier feeding schedule.

Still questioning why the reduced size when all other health characteristics seem to be normal?

I will try to post a picture when I get home.

 

[davocean]

You probably just have it under better light than it was under before and it just doesn't feel the need to stretch out/maximize surface area would be my guess if it still seems healthy.
I've had this happen w/ perfectly healthy nems when changing lights out.
BTW, over feeding can actually stress it into splitting.

 

[bnaef17]

You probably just have it under better light than it was under before and it just doesn't feel the need to stretch out/maximize surface area would be my guess if it still seems healthy.
I've had this happen w/ perfectly healthy nems when changing lights out.
BTW, over feeding can actually stress it into splitting.

Thanks Davocean. I've never been a big fan of feeding them so I will be sure to take it easy.