Non eating mandarin

[gr8birds]

Ok, he was eating great for 2-3 weeks, picking at rock and very alert. Yesterday, wouldn't eat much, added some amphipods (250 or so) which are very active, still nothing. Tried frozen brine shrimp, Cyclopeez, mysis, and gel brine shrimp from instant ocean, feeding him in a breeder net to make sure it's not a faster fish getting the food, but nothing. I put it right in front of his mouth, he sucks it in the blows it back out. Water perimeters are all great, everyone else is doing great, but he's not eating. Any thoughts? I just turned the lights out to see if maybe this will jump start his hunting. Thanks for any help

 

[altolamprologus]

Mandarins don't eat amphipods and amphipods actually eat the copepods that mandarins do eat, so you shouldn't do that again. Also, mandarins shut off their colors and go still at night so that will definitely not make him go hunting. Is there any sign of disease? Heavy breathing, dull color, torn fins, white edges on fins, red streaks, etc? Most fish will stop eating when afflicted by numerous different diseases. Try some live brine shrimp. It's not nutritious at all, but if he's going to eat, he will definitely eat those. Tigger pods are also a good choice if he's still in the breeder net (mandarins can't catch them in large spaces so if he's out in the tank don't bother)