Easy question - food for SF eel

[reef-fossil]

Yep, I've got an eel with an eating disorder - I'm convinced....

At first, I thought it was just a stage he's going thru, based on what I've read this happens. I'd like to think he'll eat when he wants to eat, but I'm wondering, do eels get tired of the same food? If so, what are other options to try that might get him to start eating again? I've been giving him shrimp, sometimes soaked in garlic or other additives, lately without it thinking he didn't like that.

I'd say, over the last month or more, he's eaten 1/2 a shrimp. Now, he's whacking my crabs and snails left and right (my guess as I have none left), but when I try to feed him - no luck.

Suggestions?

thanks,
Chris

 

[FMarini]

Please read this first.
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2002-12/fm/index.php
they love live foods over dead foods, hence the whacking of your locals. Yes they get tired of the same foods.
But you got to wean them onto dead gulf shrimp, etc else you'll never get them to eat correctly. Teach them to stick feed
frank

 

[blazemore]

Animals in general do not get tired of the same food. They aren't like humans and want something that tastes different every meal. They eat to survive. That's why if you suddenly switch food brands on something like a dog or a cat, they won't always take to it right away, because they are used to their regular food.

 

[SW1TCH]

My Zebra Eel when i first got him would only eat fresh raw shrimp.I had tried scallops,clams, mussels with no luck. Than i tried King crab legs he liked them so now he eats shrimp and crab the eel eats better than i do:eek1: :lol:

 

[stykthyn]

Than i tried King crab legs he liked them so now he eats shrimp and crab the eel eats better than i do

I am coming to your house for dinner!

 

[reef-fossil]

Thanks for the info.

I've always stick-fed Mr. T (the eel). At first, he'd eat and maybe three times a week. If he didn't want more, I'd not keep trying to feed him. In the past I'd just tap it against a rock he hides under or he'd immediately come out. Now, he just doesn't come out to eat and if I try to put the feeding stick with shrimp on it near him, he moves away.

I'll get some new gulf shrimp (a few pieces) and see if that helps. He knows (or knew) what to do and how to do it, but now, it's as if he's just not interested.

I'll also try to find some whole blue crab, octopus or squid and see if I have any better luck with that - maybe some King crab too.

Again, thanks for the info.

-Chris

 

[mitzel]

It could just be that your eel has taken a liking to live food and as you said is eatting the locals. This would explain why Mr T has stopped eatting from the stick . unless he goes a long time with out eatting anything I wouldn't worry . Just keep buying crabs and snails .

In aggressive tanks crustations are temporary inhabitants , buy them with the idea of loosing them and replacing them . Unless they are those big red stary hermits and then just don't buy them at all , nasty attitude on them things

 

[stykthyn]

I pity the fool!

 

[mitzel]

 

[aquaman67]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7260876#post7260876 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by mitzel
In aggressive tanks crustations are temporary inhabitants , buy them with the idea of loosing them and replacing them . Unless they are those big red stary hermits and then just don't buy them at all , nasty attitude on them things

I have one with my Picasso and SFE. It does a good job of policing up left over food.

 

[reef-fossil]

mitzel / stykthyn - I pitty the crabs...

Guess I need to get a pic of Mr. T (the SF eel) and add some chains and some hair.

aquaman67 - I've considered getting a large crab like yours, but would worry it might snack on the smaller fish.

-Chris

 

[aquaman67]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7267588#post7267588 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by reef-fossil
aquaman67 - I've considered getting a large crab like yours, but would worry it might snack on the smaller fish.

-Chris

If you look at the bottom of the large white fake coral you'll see I had several small chromis. The crab never bothered them. I gave them back to the LFS last week. The crab is in the back left corner.

I've never seen my crab even attempt to bother fish, just keep him well fed.

 

[Dischirm]

IMO all fish need varied diets to be able to get all the necessary nutrients. My eels eat : raw shrimp, scallops ,occassional silversides,
krill, raw saltwater fish flesh, and calamari(squid).