New purple tang stomach pinched

[Randy15]

So I just had the lfs get me a med/large purple tang. I put him in my qt yesterday and noticed his stomach seems pinched/empty. Dosent show any obvious signs of disease or stress. I haven't seen him eat anything yet in the day he was in the store or in the qt so far. Is there anything to worry about or anything I can do to help induce eating? I have tryed nori, spectrum, and mysis so far with no success. Could he have some sort of parasite? If so what do I do to help? Or should I just wait it out for a couple days? Thank you

 

[Mrscribbled]

A pinched stomach isn't the end of the world, but if the fat reserve area behind its face is pinched also, that is a concern. It can be frustrating getting new fish to eat, but its very important to not overfeed and spoil the water quality.

Red sea fish have been coming in rough. They get shipped to sri lanka, then sit till going to wholesalers, then sit again.

 

[Rea17]

I recommend continuing to try nori soaked in selcon and Zoe. If he is uninterested, try tearing small pieces off into the water column, I have had great results with this method.

You'll also want to offer high protein foods such as mysis and other meaty foods.

I have to respectfully disagree with Mrscribbled about overfeeding a new fish in qt. I think it's important that the fish be offered food several (for me, 10 times) a day or so. Siphoning out uneaten food is important, as is monitoring ammonia and doing frequent water changes. Once the fish is regaining weight, eating well, and otherwise healthy, I dial back feeding to a more normal schedule.

 

[Mrscribbled]

Good advice Ami, I sometimes should be a bit more specific. I meant to work it as " do not overfeed as to spoil the water, as in leaving uneaten food stick around".

 

[Rea17]

Good advice Ami, I sometimes should be a bit more specific. I meant to work it as " do not overfeed as to spoil the water, as in leaving uneaten food stick around".

:thumbsup:

 

[Randy15]

Yeah I net out all uneaten food after I feed in qt

 

[Sk8r]

One of the best 'encouragement' foods cyclopeeze. Very few fish will refuse it. Formula 2 frozen non-gel cubes are good too: they stink of squid, another attractant.