Help feeding arrowhead puffer

[qieter]

Hi,

I recently acquired a 5" arrowhead and I tried feeding him Frozen krill, ghost shrimp and superworms and he didnt touch any of that...i know he is hungry as he is surfing the tank, must be looking for food since arrowhead usually doesnt move around much...im lost to what else i should try...other than feeder fish and i really dont want to use feeder fish....it has been 2 days since i got him....please help thanx

Vic

[Katz]

From reading about Puffers I would ask what he was fed where you purchased him. They seem to be very picky eaters, which has prevented me from getting any so far. He will most likely eat what he is used to, and maybe you can introduce other foods on the side for him to learn.

Best of luck!

[RTR]

Impaling the offered food on a bamboo skewer and giggling and twirling it in front of the fish helps a lot - it gives the appearance of life. Many of the piscivores (fish-eaters) do have to be trained to aquarium feeding. Some do require feeders during the transition - you might try frozen and thawed silversides to start the sequence of non-living food. Puffers are very bright fish, they learn fast.

Threading the food on a cotton thread (no knot on the end, please - you want the fish to take the bait), can also work, but for me the skewer is easier. Don't let the fish take the thread, obviously..