Emperor not eating

[DAKOOP]

I have a new Emperor Angel in my tank and he doesn't seem to be interested in any type of food I feed the tank. Normally i wouldn't worry too much and give it a few days being a new fish but I have had horrible luck keeping one of these guys alive. Every one I get doesn't eat and dies within a week. What are you feeding your angels?

I have tried Rod's food. Frozen mysis, algae flakes, pellets, and regular flake, all with no luck.

 

[Jerry W]

How large is this fish? Sometimes really tiny juveniles or adult specimens are difficult to get eating. Do you see the angel picking at the rocks or glass? If so, it is getting some nourishment. Angels I've kept really go for nori sheets on a clip (they consume a good deal of algae in the wild). I also use angel formula with sponge, things like Marine Cuisine, Emerald Entree, bloodworms, finely minced clam and mussel. You can try some brine shrimp to see if that works. Check with the place you bought the fish and see what they were feeding it. Sometimes a drop or two of garlic juice can bring on a feeding response as well.

 

[DAKOOP]

He is a decent size juvenile. I would say just under 3". I do not see him picking at anything but he is behind the rockwork most of the time. I am putting sea veggies on a clip for my tangs and he isn't interested in that either.

 

[Jerry W]

What all is in the tank. There is a chance the fish is being intimidated by other fish and may not feel comfortable coming out to eat. You could try to us a turkey baster and direct some food near the angel. If you've tried a few of these and they all die, there may be something else going on. Are your water parameters all in check? How are you acclimating the angels? They can be touchy when first acquired.

 

[flameangel88]

Was it eating in QT? Have you checked for flukes? They don't eat if they have it. I've had 2 juvies 3" and under and usually they eat after grazing LRs the first couple of days and they pretty much eat everything Jewrry W mentioned.

 

[jda]

How long have you had it? If it has been a day or two, then no need for concern yet.

 

[jmaneyapanda]

I am a very firm beleivere in this principle (and recently heard copps reflect tyhe same sentiment which made me feel all warm and fuzzy)- QT is only partly for disease control- it is just as important to ensure the fish is stable, eating, and functional. Just chucking it in the display is asking for it, in my opinion.

Anyway, to answer the question, I have had enormous luck feeding hikari and NLS pellets. They get "spongy" when soaked, and reek to high heaven, so most fish cant resist them. I have had fish eat these pellets before anything else (inlcuding mysis).