Feeding questions/ strategies for a Aust. Tusk

[Capt. Nemo]

Hi everyone,

I recently transferred my tusk from the q-tank to the display tank. He always ate well when in the q-tank. His diet has consisted of mysis shrimp, krill, silversides. When I fed him mysis shrimp he would usually pick it off the bare bottom of the q-tank as it settled there. Sometimes he would even let me hand feed him silversides. Its been more of a challenge now to feed him since he has been in the display tank for the last few days. He shares the tank with a porc. puffer who can be rather boisterous during feeding time. The tusk wont come to the top of the tank to be fed for either fear of the puffer or its just not his style. I would try to feed the two at separate sides of the tank, but the tusk doesnt seem interested in coming to the top to be fed. When I do drop food into the tank for him most of it just falls to parts of the tank where he isnt located. How do you guys feed your tusks and what advice can you give me to feed him. Thanks!

Gary

 

[Capt. Nemo]

Where are all my tusk loving friends when I need them the most?

 

[Capt. Nemo]

When and how do you feed a tusk? Morning, night, lights on or with lights off? At what water level do they eat? Top, middle, bottom?I have dropped food all over the location he is resting at and he makes no attempt to eat anything. He doesnt come to the top of the tank to be fed. I've heard others say that they never see their tusk eat? Is this normal? Is this possible? Can someone explain how to feed this guy before he starves to death. Thank you.

 

[Big E]

Harlequin Tusks will attack food with gusto if they are healthy.........usually hitting it before it makes it to the bottom. You should have left it in QT longer until it was eating meaty foods aggressively.

Get some egg crate & divide him from the puffer till he gets his confidence back & starts eating again. They are somewhat timid with aggressive tankmakes, but that shouldn't stop it from trying to eat.

Are you sure its the Australian variety? I've read of some problems with the Indo ones being less hardy.

 

[Big E]

I have dropped food all over the location he is resting at and he makes no attempt to eat anything

This bothers me as they seldom sit & rest.........usually they stop for a few seconds & then start traveling all over the tank. They are very active fish.