Sweetlips hungry?

[TCKTME]

We decided to get a Sweetlips along with a Psuedo a few weeks ago. Both got along in QT fine and in the main tank as of now.

I noticed Sweetlips really likes to eat. It seems I have to feed once a day. Is this normal? I really don't want him to outgrow the tank real quick, he/she is a beautiful fish. I know we'll have to get rid of him someday .

The other day I noticed him/her picking up mouthfuls of substrate and spitting it out. Is this a sign that he/she is hungry? He/she is starting to make a mess. What should I do?

Jason

 

[Billybeau1]

I have had my sweetlips for about 4 years in a 72 gal. Yes Toby is getting big but he is still doing OK. I feed him flakes in the morning and frozen at night. He likes mysis, planton, bloodworms, brine, veggies and he LOVES an occasional feeding of beefheart.

Toby chews on my crushed coral and spits it out all the time. I think he is just bored.

If yours is eating, you are very lucky as was I/ They have not been kept very successfuly in captivity.

I have been lucky. I hope you are too.

See my Avator and my gallery for pictures of Toby. He's my favorite fish. He's about 6 " now.

Good luck with yours. Any more question, ask away

 

[Amphiprion]

The sand feeding is common in smaller individuals. Adults do it also, albeit to a lesser extent (as they are more capable of eating larger fare).

 

[TCKTME]

Thanks for the info. I try to feed at the same time everyday. Brine for Psycho Sally first and then mysis for Sweetlips. I've tried flake a few times, but Sweetlips just spits it out. Sally checks it out but that's as far as it goes.

I have noticed a pattern with Sweetlips. In QT I had to feed brine first. Otherwise Sally would "stuff" herself w/mysis. When I was adding brine first, Sweetie would spit out the brine. Now Sweetie will gobble it up. Poor Sally. Hopefully the same will hold true for the flakes.


Billybeau1- How long before Toby started to change colors? My Sweetie's front dorsal looks distressed at the ends. Is this ok? Could it be from him swimming around the rock in my tank?

Jason

 

[Billybeau1]

I dont recall him ever changing colors. You might want to keep an eye on those fins.