Harlequin Tusk not eating

[Sstadler]

So starting from the beginning, I have been keeping an eye on this Australian tusk at my LFS for approx 6 weeks. Around 3 weeks ago i began asking the LFS to feed him infront of me. They told me that he is very docile compared to the other tusk they had that was very aggressive. So I did the same thing this week and last week. Still not actively eating when served food. However, the thought was that how could this fish survive 6 weeks without eating any food? Especially after going through quarantine?

Well here’s the dilemma now. I brought the fish home. He’s been here for 5 days and I am almost certain he has not eaten any food. He is in QT with a copperband. Ironically, the CB is eating like it’s going out of style and the tusk shows no interest in anything. I have tried fresh raw shrimp, scallops, two kinda of mysis, PE mysis, two kinds of brine shrimp, clam on a half shell, blood worms, squid, pellets, flake. He shows NO interest in anything. Even tried tying a piece of shrimp to fishing line and hanging it from the top of the tank. No interest...

But he is swimming around. Doesn’t shy away when I approach the tank. Isn’t breathing heavy and appears healthy. I just don’t understand why he won’t eat. I would honestly feel so defeated if this fish starved to death. I’m open to anything really. Thanks in advance...

 

[windemerejack]

Despite their looks, they are as a rule incredibly shy fish, it maybe intimidated by the copperband,i would suggest if possible to qt it on its own.

 

[Sstadler]

Despite their looks, they are as a rule incredibly shy fish, it maybe intimidated by the copperband,i would suggest if possible to qt it on its own.

You think that’s possible? The CB is less than a 1/4 the size of the HT.

 

[Sstadler]

Eh maybe 1/2 the size

 

[windemerejack]

Its possible, as i said despite their looks they are shy fish, when i first added mine it would shy away from my Royal Gramma.

 

[windemerejack]

Another thing to try is live food.

 

[Reef - Tripp]

He has somewhere to hide, he would also be careful jumping out of the water, mine liked worms

 

[Sstadler]

Another thing to try is live food.

No source of live food near me. Unless I grab some hermits out of one of my displays...

He has somewhere to hide, he would also be careful jumping out of the water, mine liked worms

There are large pieces of PVC in the QT that he goes in an out of some times. There is a lid on the QT as well...

 

[windemerejack]

does your lfs stock live food?

 

[Sstadler]

does your lfs stock live food?

Unfortunately no. If they had I would’ve went there first instead of buying all the food I have so far lol

 

[windemerejack]

That's the first lfs i have ever heard of that doesn't stock live food.

 

[Sstadler]

That's the first lfs i have ever heard of that doesn't stock live food.

What kind of live food?

 

[windemerejack]

Mine used to love cooked shrimp, chopped up into bitesize pieces, chopped mussels and chopped cockles, worth a try trying those.

 

[windemerejack]

What kind of live food?

feeder shrimp, brine shrimp, bloodworm, etc.
If feeder shrimp i suggest gut loading them with pellet food for nutrition

 

[Sstadler]

feeder shrimp, brine shrimp, bloodworm, etc.
If feeder shrimp i suggest gut loading them with pellet food for nutrition

I will call around and see. Would it be a bad idea to grab one of my 200 hermits in one of my displays and toss one in there in the meantime?

 

[windemerejack]

Not a bad idea but a snail would be better if you have a spare one.

 

[Sstadler]

Guess I’ll give it a shot

 

[Funlad3]

If you haven't, I'd give silversides a try. We would get these guys in at the shop I used to work at, and they'd frequently take out live damsels or firefish if we didn't remove all of them.

 

[Sstadler]

Yea none of my local LFS have live foods :/

 

[Sstadler]

I can’t imagine this fish starving itself to death... I’m hoping for the best. Gonna keep food in there. I’ve kept the lights in the room dim to try and not stress him out. I have no other options.. will keep you all updated..