Angelfish Won't Eat!

[fishboy7]

About 48 hours ago, I added to angelfish to my 36 gallon bowfront alongside of a BN pleco and 2 sterbai corys. When they were in my quarantine tank they ate good, but now they won't eat at all. They just watch the food float by. Why are they doing this? Can anyone help me?

[RDTigger]

First thing.. Lights out!

They may be stressed from the new tank parameters but certainly by the new tank mates. ease them in with some patience, they will appreciate the darkness.

Also, i usually try feeding in different spots.. Normally the more aggressive eaters will surface for floating food while i put sinking food in different areas of the tank with the lights out. This is usually a good starting point. Also 48 hours without eating is not going to kill them, as mouth brooders go 3 weeks without food!

[jetajockey]

agreed with RD. Keep the lights off and let them get settled in, I've noticed that with cichlids and other 'smarter' fish that they can sometimes have a hard time getting adjusted into their new environment. When I first got my EBJD he didn't eat for a week, but I did catch him trolling the bottom pecking at the food after the lights were off and there was no movement near the tank.

[fishboy7]

Good Idea, thanks! But how long should I leave the light off (days)?

[RDTigger]

Good Idea, thanks! But how long should I leave the light off (days)?
As long as it takes... I usually leave the lights off for 2-3 days when i add new fish. The more skiddish the species the longer i keep it dark. In the wild they hardly have any light, it's only for us to see them better.

Hope this helps, just be patient and let them get settled.

[DavidZ]

Provide more details on the tank set up and what you have in the tank.
What size are the angels? They should be always hungry, lights off for 24hrs should do it.
Try blood worms and see.

[fishboy7]

I tried to feed them bloodworms but they didn't want any. Also, the other stocking is 2 sterbai corys and 1 BN pleco. The angels are 2 in. high.

[fishboy7]

Well, it's been a week now and the angels still don't eat! They act fine and seem to have grown a bit, so they must be eating something! I kept the light on today because I'm sick of it being off. Can anyone give me advice of when they will eat in front of me?