Stars and Stripes puffer (not eating)

[Captjay]

I've had a new Stars and Stripes puffer for about a week, it is about 6 inches long, I ordered it through my LFS so I could not see him eat before buying him. Since he was already paid for. (They are hard to find around me for some reason)

All levels in the tank are perfect, I've tried mysis, krill, raw shrimp pieces, clam on the half shell, garlic added to the foods. He shows no interest in eating. Turns away when I feed the rest of the fish. There is no other pressure from tank mates just a few smaller tangs and a small trigger. Everyone leaves him alone.

Is there any tricks to get them to eat? I would of figured after a week it would of been settled in. Any input is appreciated. Thanks, Jason.

 

[Dkuhlmann]

Have you tried NLS pellets? I've seen several fish not eat any of the good stuff and scarf down on the NLS pellets. See if you can get a few of the large ones for it to try. Maybe your LFS uses them in the shop. Also have you tried feeding it small snails or small hermits? Then there is always black worms seem to be a favorite to try. No I've never had this fish just trying to help with some suggestions.

 

[Captjay]

Thanks for the reply, yep I forgot to add that I have the medium size NLS and no interest what so ever, I will have to try snails or a hermit see what happens. I've never had such a stubborn fish.

 

[ThRoewer]

Have you tried clams yet?
Another thing my puffers in the past always went crazy over were earthworms.
Normally a puffer shouldn't be a problem with food - if he doesn't show interest in food there might be another problem.

 

[Captjay]

Yep, tried clams. I kept trying with raw shrimp and he finally started eating, although I found the culprit. Looks like he came with ich from the LFS. Just saw a few spots on his fins so I began treating that a couple days ago.