Eel Fasting?

[CuttleKid]

I got a zebra eel for my tank last thursday and it has yet to eat. This is my first eel and i am very anxious about its health and whether it should be eating by now. I bought some raw shrimp from the food store and i am trying to get it to eat but he just doesn't seem that interested and is being very shy.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

 

[snorvich]

He is on strike. They can go a long time doing this. I found that raw squid often tempted them. Otherwise, be patient.

 

[CuttleKid]

ok thank you.
How long do you think he will do this?
How long can they last without food?

Thanks

 

[Irenicus]

Months. I had a Snowflake that would go on hunger strike every time I moved (changed residences.) At first I was panicked (like you,) but he should be ok. After a month or so he would seek out food. Just keep offering.

 

[aldiver311]

Same here I caught a large Goldtail in the Bahamas this summer didnt eat for 3 1/2 months.!!!!!!!!! Making up for it now though

 

[rubensito]

I've used live stuff, like shrimp to entice eels to feed again, but that might not be something that can be done in most setups

 

[CuttleKid]

Thank you all for your replies and reassurance!

 

[Boat_Drinks]

When I relocated from Denver to Detroit my pair of zebra morays went on a feeding strike as well. The male was eating again in just over a week, but it took my little female close to 3 weeks to show any interest in food. I give them a varied diet (most of which comes from a grocery store or seafood market), but always get the best feeding response with lobster tail.

And I have to ask... do you have any pics of your new zebra yet?

-Ben