Enticing clown gobies to eat...

[corwise]

Last week I recieved some green clown gobies from Fosters and Smiths. They seem to be doing fine, swimming around, nesting in the Colt coral. Unfortunately, they're not eating. I've seen them take a single bite of food if it passes directing in front of them, but they refuse to go up and get food when I put it into the tank. The only other fish in there are a pair of Sebae clowns, who leave them alone and don't bother them. I've been feeding brine shrimp, and occasionally flake, but nothing seems to work. Any ideas on how to entice them to try some food? Seeing how they're still alive now I'm assuming they're eating something out of the tank, but I'd like them to start eating my food so they don't starve when whatever it is they're eating runs out. Maybe some live brine shrimp? Thanks.

Dave

 

[dugg]

Have you got any Cyclop-eeze or Mysis shrimp? I really wouldn't worry much if they eat things that go right to them but not going after things they have to work for. I would say they probably have plenty to eat and just don't need to chase your food around.

 

[corwise]

Dugg,

Next time I'm at the fish store I'll grab some mysis shrimp and give it a shot. What exactly is cyclop-eeze though?

 

[dugg]

It's a freeze dried food that drives fish crazy for some reason. Anything and everything in the reef loves the stuff.
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Produ...ll&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Np=1&N=2004&Nty=1

 

[captbunzo]

I got a green clown goby a while back and had a similar experience. It eventually died.

In short, my resarch says that this is an EXTREMELY common experience. In fact, it is what usually happens. The articles also advised that the best way to get them eating was live food (i.e. baby brine shrimp, etc). The idea was that you need to keep them alive long enough to get them accustomed to your tank, etc. THEN they are more likely to start up eating frozen foods, etc.

Good luck!

 

[corwise]

They're eating a tad better now, at least going for the food. *shrug* I'll try and pick up some live brine shrimp, give that a shot. I used to have some yellow clown gobies, those guys were no problems, easiest fish I ever had. Ate everything, lived a long time, colorful, etc. Hopefully these greens will pull through. Thanks for the advice.