scared fish

[mantis32]

Brought a Blue Throat Trigger home the other day. His vision is great because he can see me twelve feet away and then hides. Today he only hides when I get to around 6' close to the tank.

What are the tricks/tips to get a skiddish fish to eat?

I've tried meaty pellets, dried krill, and flakes, but by the time he comes back out, the food has already fallen to the bottom. Don't want him to die of hunger.

 

[haze7573]

you could rig up some sort of auto feeder so that you dont have to be near the tank

 

[Phyl]

I would try to block the view of one side of the tank with a blanket/towel. Feed from behind the "wall".

 

[DaveK]

Usually feeding problems with triggers are restricted to keeping up with their appetite.

Give the fish some time to get used to his new home. Most fish get a lot less timid in time.

 

[mantis32]

Thanks for the tips. I'll try both the towel, time, and maybe go out and get an auto feeder.

 

[DaveK]

Unless this is a tank where you are away for long periods of time, and I mean days, save your money and don't get an auto feeder. Most reef fish need a much better diet that the dry food you can use with those.

 

[mantis32]

Noted.

 

[malulu]

May be you can dress a custom that look like a fish...? see how close you can get to your tank...

Brought a Blue Throat Trigger home the other day. His vision is great because he can see me twelve feet away and then hides. Today he only hides when I get to around 6' close to the tank.

What are the tricks/tips to get a skiddish fish to eat?

I've tried meaty pellets, dried krill, and flakes, but by the time he comes back out, the food has already fallen to the bottom. Don't want him to die of hunger.

 

[Phyl]

I don't know about your reef fish, but if a fish came up to me the size of a full grown man, I'd be petrified! *swim away* LOL!

 

[coralnut99]

Unless this is a tank where you are away for long periods of time, and I mean days, save your money and don't get an auto feeder. Most reef fish need a much better diet that the dry food you can use with those.

Couldn't agree more.
Try very small feedings of a good quality frozen food at first. I mean VERY small amounts of stuff like frozen mysis, or chopped clams. The only thing to avoid initially is sudden movements or loud noises. Think of it as bringing home a dog that's just come out of the pound. Scarred, but very hungry. Autofeeders will only cause water quality problems in the short term, and it won't help get him used to your presence. The idea is to get him to associate your presence with food. I was pluckinig asterinas the other day and the sailfins follow my hand around in the tank looking for handouts, and all the others just stay close to the rocks. He's going to have to get used to your presence eventually. All triggers are great eaters, just be patient and he'll be fine.