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Black red-tailed shark not eating: Suggestions?
Posted: Sun Apr 27, 2025 2:12 am
by tidekeeper
My black red-tailed shark hasn't eaten in three days. Tank's a 40 gallon, got a couple tetras and a pleco in there. Water's at 78F, params are 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 10 nitrate. Tried flakes, pellets, even bloodworms, but he just ignores it. What's the deal?
Re: Black red-tailed shark not eating: Suggestions?
Posted: Sun Apr 27, 2025 2:34 am
by Rhythm
Three days isn't too alarming yet, but let's rule out stress first. How long have you had him? New additions to the tank lately? Also, check if the pleco's hogging food at night. Red-tails can get skittish with competition.
Re: Black red-tailed shark not eating: Suggestions?
Posted: Sun Apr 27, 2025 4:28 am
by dartle
tidekeeper wrote: ↑Sun Apr 27, 2025 2:12 am
My black red-tailed shark hasn't eaten in three days. Tank's a 40 gallon, got a couple tetras and a pleco in there. Water's at 78F, params are 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 10 nitrate. Tried flakes, pellets, even bloodworms, but he just ignores it. What's the deal?
Yep, params look solid. Maybe try sinking wafers? Mine goes nuts for Hikari algae wafers. Also, dim the lights during feeding, they're kinda shy eaters.
Re: Black red-tailed shark not eating: Suggestions?
Posted: Sun Apr 27, 2025 5:15 am
by folksy9
My cousin's shark did this once. Turned out the filter flow was too strong, dude couldn't chill near the food. You got a sponge filter or something gentler?
Re: Black red-tailed shark not eating: Suggestions?
Posted: Sun Apr 27, 2025 6:02 am
by lordpin
Agree with checking flow. Also, red-tails are weird about new foods. Try garlic-soaked brine shrimp—sometimes the smell kicks their appetite into gear. Worked for my grumpy Oscar too.
Re: Black red-tailed shark not eating: Suggestions?
Posted: Sun Apr 27, 2025 6:50 am
by fortuna_4
Is he hiding more than usual? Mine darts behind the driftwood if the tetras zoom around too much during feeding.
Re: Black red-tailed shark not eating: Suggestions?
Posted: Sun Apr 27, 2025 7:34 am
by tidekeeper
Thanks, all. Got him two weeks ago, no new tankmates. Filter's a HOB, so flow might be the issue. Gonna try the wafers and garlic trick tonight.
Re: Black red-tailed shark not eating: Suggestions?
Posted: Sun Apr 27, 2025 8:09 am
by Rhythm
tidekeeper wrote: ↑Sun Apr 27, 2025 7:34 am
Thanks, all. Got him two weeks ago, no new tankmates. Filter's a HOB, so flow might be the issue. Gonna try the wafers and garlic trick tonight.
Two weeks is still settling-in time. If the HOB's blasting, angle it toward the glass or stuff some sponge in the outflow. Keep us posted!
Re: Black red-tailed shark not eating: Suggestions?
Posted: Sun Apr 27, 2025 8:17 am
by dartle
Oh, and if the wafers sink too fast, wedge 'em in a plant. Mine likes to 'forage' off the anubias leaves. Weirdo.
Re: Black red-tailed shark not eating: Suggestions?
Posted: Sun Apr 27, 2025 11:35 am
by lordpin
dartle wrote: ↑Sun Apr 27, 2025 8:17 am
Oh, and if the wafers sink too fast, wedge 'em in a plant. Mine likes to 'forage' off the anubias leaves. Weirdo.
Hah, same. Fish logic, right? Btw, tidekeeper, if the garlic doesn't cut it, try live blackworms. Messy but irresistible.