How do I feed a fish that's scared of me?

[StephLionfish]

I just got a YWG. Every time I walk into the room it flashes into the rocks, and doesn't come out for sometimes an hour or two... So how do I feed it? I have a clownfish in the tank that likes to Hog, and of course I can't spot feed....

 

[EllieSuz]

Give it some time to get used to seeing you. It needs to become accustomed to movement outside the tank and especially to associate that movement with food. Use a feeding tube to direct some food near your Goby. Once it gets hungry enough, it will start to feed.

 

[Curious George]

I think it does take some time to allow for a new fish to settle in. But, when I first got my Majestic Angel, it was my centerpiece and I wanted to get it off to a good start. I had a Heniochus that frantically ate everything before the Maj got a chance to eat. I took the Heli back to the LFS and it allowed the Maj to begin to eat. Had I not done that, I don't think I would have gotten it to turn the corner as shy as she was.

Now she is the PIG of the tank, and I am very happy about that.

 

[sandwi54]

it needs to get used to your presence and movement around the tank. it will take a few days to weeks to really feel comfortable in the tank. try your best to spot feed. over time it'll learn that you = food and greet you every time you get close.

my french angel can sense me about 12 feet away, even when i'm in the dark. sometimes i have to try hard to "sneak" past the tank so i don't catch all my fish's attention. they get really excited when they see or hear me.

 

[StephLionfish]

Thanks guys...I've just never had a fish scared of me really... I mean, my lionfish is face-pressed-against-the-glass staring at me right now from two rooms away...

The tank the YWG is in is in my bedroom...and I only go in there to sleep, or grab something... I'll have to find something to do in there..

How do i spot feed? Just squirt it at the hole of the cave and and stand there five hours to a week for him to realize I'm not going to eat him? I put a Mysis shrimp at his hole and it was gone when I went back...

 

[nivram]

I like to spot feed using live brine and a long turkey baster. This will also get the fish to associate the turkey baster with food. It's then easier for me to introduce them to other foods this way.

 

[Paul B]

These guys I got about 10 or 12 years ago and they still don't come out to eat. They halfway come out and I shoot pellets, worms and clams in the place where they hang out under a rock.
I know they eat because they have been laying eggs for years.
Actually there is only one left, the female died a few weeks ago, hopefully from old age.

 

[JSeymour]

Not to get on a soap-box or anything, but this is the perfect reason to quarantine even if you don't think disease is a issue.

My recommendation, feed alot. Personally, I wouldn't shoot food in it's hole, unless I was sure it wasn't getting any food. That's letting the fish train you, you want it the other way around. If you have enough current in the tank, small amounts should make it down there, letting him know the smell he smells when you are near, is food. Also, keep you hands out of the tank as much as possible, you don't want to be seen as a threat, only the bringer of food.

Best of luck to you and get that quarantine tank for next time.

 

[MrTuskfish]

Not to get on a soap-box or anything, but this is the perfect reason to quarantine even if you don't think disease is a issue.

My recommendation, feed alot. Personally, I wouldn't shoot food in it's hole, unless I was sure it wasn't getting any food. That's letting the fish train you, you want it the other way around. If you have enough current in the tank, small amounts should make it down there, letting him know the smell he smells when you are near, is food. Also, keep you hands out of the tank as much as possible, you don't want to be seen as a threat, only the bringer of food.

Best of luck to you and get that quarantine tank for next time.

My favorite soapbox. I agree completely. Fish in a properly set up QT (nothing elaborate, just shelter) get a chance to acclimate and begin feeding without all the competition and mayhem. I think the fish is probably bothered as much by his tankmates as he is of you. I've had some fish, usually anthias, hold out a couple of weeks before eating; but I'm absolutely convinced any fish will acclimate and start eating faster in a QT. Its amazing to me, that many hobbyists see a QT as a "stressful" place---its just the opposite.

 

[sandwi54]

My favorite soapbox. I agree completely. Fish in a properly set up QT (nothing elaborate, just shelter) get a chance to acclimate and begin feeding without all the competition and mayhem. I think the fish is probably bothered as much by his tankmates as he is of you. I've had some fish, usually anthias, hold out a couple of weeks before eating; but I'm absolutely convinced any fish will acclimate and start eating faster in a QT. Its amazing to me, that many hobbyists see a QT as a "stressful" place---its just the opposite.

agreed 100%! QT is a much better place to let fish settle down and get used to captive life. training the fish to eat the food you want it to eat is much easier done in QT than DT. Contrary to popular belief, DT is a more stressful environment for a new fish than QT, due to the potential tankmate's harassment and food competition.

 

[StephLionfish]

Not to get on a soap-box or anything, but this is the perfect reason to quarantine even if you don't think disease is a issue.

My recommendation, feed alot. Personally, I wouldn't shoot food in it's hole, unless I was sure it wasn't getting any food. That's letting the fish train you, you want it the other way around. If you have enough current in the tank, small amounts should make it down there, letting him know the smell he smells when you are near, is food. Also, keep you hands out of the tank as much as possible, you don't want to be seen as a threat, only the bringer of food.

Best of luck to you and get that quarantine tank for next time.

I completely agree about the QT. The fish was added w/o my permission, and I'm not allowed ( and not able) to get it out now. I was extremely p/o'd about it too...

Thanks for the advice..