I have a Zebra eel, He's about 2 1/2 feet long and hasn't eaten in 2-3 months, maybe a little longer. I've tried different foods, but he would only eat krill when he did eat. He doesn't have any physical signs of problems. He has fooled me a couple times where I thought he was dead, but then he moves to another spot. I have absolutely no Idea what is wrong. All other tank mates are fine, and all levels are good. Please help, I don't want to lose him. Thanks
Need Help With Eel (not Eating)
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cerianthus
New member
Has worked great w/ live crayfish. Most of crayfish available are not big and Eel will tear it apart anyway. Once eating, and growing, can start trying frozen krill or shrimps that are on sale at the supermarket. Don't laugh, it may be cheaper than frozen krill if you really think about it.
iamwrasseman
New member
i have had many eels and have about 7 now , sometimes they go through a 'hunger strike ' for a week to three weeks and then just start eating like nothing ever happened . they dont require daily feedings rather weekly or every other week so dont get worried they will usually eat anything once thedecide that its time to eat . i have had one, ajapineese dragon that has done exactly what you are experiencing and then one day he started eating so hopefully it will wake up hungry ! it would probably be best if you keep trying to feed him whatever he was eating . live food may help as was stated above and this may be what he needs . how often was he being fed before the hunger strike ? if it is daily then you can actually hurt him, with to much fat content they will build up fatty deposites internally and this can be lethel . some FOOD for thought and i do hope that he is ok ! merry christmas and good luck
Thanks for the info, I was feeding him frozen Krill every 4-5 days. The person I got him from told me that is the only food he will eat. Very picky. Then one day he just decided not to eat, I tried different foods, but he wasn't interested. Hopefully he'll start eating soon. I even bought a cleaner shrimp thinking maybe something was wrong. I still have the shrimp, he wasn't eaten yet. Anyway, I'll keep trying, thanks again.
cerianthus
New member
Crayfish usually are from farms in Florida. Never heard that before. Try buying raw shrimp from Supermarket and soak it for an hour or so in f/w, just rinse and/or knock off possible S/w pathogens.
I had many eels for over 20 years and yet to experience slow down behavior on foods. One particular Green Moray eel out of two (6'long) even jumped out while feeding and bit my father.
OMG, Ambulance and siren. Blood all over. Nasty Bite. Almost lost his hand. He's OK. My father being who he is, was trying to pick up the eel while bleeding in order to make sure eel would not die. He goes fishing and catches Searobins (Mom complains all the time that no space in Freezer for Family) as eel food and he has been feeding them for about 5-6 years w/o mishap. They gobbled up tremendous amt of food and when they go, they really go. I am sorry I got side tracked a bit.
Don't feed too much at once, try one crayfish at a time. Once feeding, try feeding every other day to make sure it does not out grow tank too fast.
Out of all the eels, Ribbon eels were always most difficult to initiate feeding. I had to do more work (not that I mind), even pushing down fat fenmale guppies down its throat to keep them alive until fed themselves. Zebra moray always worked well w/ crayfish. Hope your eel gets back on its feet?? LOL. Happy Holidays to everyone!!!
I had many eels for over 20 years and yet to experience slow down behavior on foods. One particular Green Moray eel out of two (6'long) even jumped out while feeding and bit my father.
OMG, Ambulance and siren. Blood all over. Nasty Bite. Almost lost his hand. He's OK. My father being who he is, was trying to pick up the eel while bleeding in order to make sure eel would not die. He goes fishing and catches Searobins (Mom complains all the time that no space in Freezer for Family) as eel food and he has been feeding them for about 5-6 years w/o mishap. They gobbled up tremendous amt of food and when they go, they really go. I am sorry I got side tracked a bit.
Don't feed too much at once, try one crayfish at a time. Once feeding, try feeding every other day to make sure it does not out grow tank too fast.
Out of all the eels, Ribbon eels were always most difficult to initiate feeding. I had to do more work (not that I mind), even pushing down fat fenmale guppies down its throat to keep them alive until fed themselves. Zebra moray always worked well w/ crayfish. Hope your eel gets back on its feet?? LOL. Happy Holidays to everyone!!!
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cerianthus
New member
This should work too but give them F/W bath before using.
By the way Lisa, Is that what I think it is you are holding?
Cool!! What kind? I know this is of f the topic but curious!!
