Freshwater

Just like people, fish can be good eaters or bad eaters. The following hints
will help persuade those fish that don’t want to jump on the scheduled feeding
bandwagon.
When they stop eating
Chapter 10: Diet and Nutrition for Your Wet Pets
There are times when your fish simply stop eating. After you panic, stop and
ask yourself this question: What caused this sudden lack of appetite? Here
are some possible answers:
Incorrect food: When your fish stop eating, the first thing to do is to
make sure that you’re giving them the correct food for their species. For
example, large goldfish need pellet foods that float. If you are only feeding
them algae discs, they will not thrive. On the other hand, bottomfeeding
catfish would appreciate the same disc. Top feeders like danios
do best on floating and flake foods. If you’re feeding them the wrong
thing, switch to the proper food immediately. If the problem persists,
read on for other causes.
Crowded conditions: Overcrowding causes stress and encourages
excessive competition for food. Normal eaters may become shy or
frightened and not get their share of the food.
Disease: Fish stop eating regularly as they start to drop off physically.
Poor water conditions: Polluted water and other bad aquarium conditions
can have a major effect on your fish’s normal feeding habits. Also
check the temperature and pH and nitrate levels (see Chapter 14 for
more information on this subject) if your fish suddenly stop feeding.
Temperature or weather changes: Hotter weather may mean a decrease
in oxygen in the aquarium’s water. If this is a problem, add an extra airstone
(to split the air into smaller bubbles) or install a power head (which
you can purchase at your local pet shop) on your undergravel filter. You
will find more information on aquarium equipment in Chapter 6.
So remember, the fact that your fish are not eating may not be caused by
improper feeding conditions. You need to take other factors into consideration
as well.
Some fish refuse to eat just because they’re picky. There may be no other
reason than that. Try different types of food until you find one they are happy
with.
141