Seahorse feeding question please help:

[mhall23]

Has anyone ever had a problem with their seahorses not being able to suck in their food. He is hungry, trying to go after the food, but isn't able to suck it in. He is begining to get weak, has anyone experienced this? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Fredfish]

Cant say that I have. I was always surprised at how large a shrimp my guys could suck down when they were only 2 1/2" - 3" long.

How big is the horse and what type of food is it having trouble with?

Fred

 

[mhall23]

the horse is about 3" long, and he is eating bryne shrimp. thanks

 

[luvabunny]

Sounds like he is getting a weak snick.
Others will have to help you here.

 

[mhall23]

Can anyone explain what a weak snick is.... i'm sorry, any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Matt

 

[JennyL]

This sounds very much like weak snick. This is caused by a parasite, (cilliates ) that can invade the inside of the snout.
Very nasty little critters that can eat the snout from the inside.

I don't normally do this but go to the "emergency Forum" at www.syngnathid.org and you will find exact directions on how to treat this problem rather than typing it all out here.

 

[Fredfish]

Well, thats a new one to me. Post back and let us know how this works out.

Fred

 

[NanoLurker]

ciliated protozoa, i hate them, well the nasty ones anyway - uronema, brooklynella hostilis, i'll even throw that nasty dinoflagellate, amyloodinium ocellatum, in there. as others have said, ciliated protozoa are what most attribute weak snick to, fresh water dip (pH & temp matched) does offer some relief. formalin baths can be done as well but i prefer FW dips. instructions for both can be found at both seahorse forums.

how is his breathing? they will sometimes infect the gills as well resulting in deep, labored breathing, sometimes huffing. have you seen him snick at nothing? i mean, literally, just snick like he's trying to clear his snout?

also, try and get something other than brine shrimp for him.