I know its normal for eels to stop eating for periods of time, but how long do I wait before I start to worry? Its been about 4 weeks, maybe a little more. I offer shrimp about every two days, and if he doesn't eat it I feed it to someone else (no waste that way). Water is good, changes occuring as normal, the other fish (trigger) doesn't pick on him. The eel is about 14 inches long, trig's about 4. Any advice?
When to worry?
- Thread starter Sarah
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All parameters in the green?
My eel went on a 5 week fast, that was the longest, and he was actually hunting down and eating several hitch hikers from some new live rock that I'd added. I wouldn't worry until you start seeing serious signs of starvation--ie, sunken tummy, day time activity, and swimming at the surface. Might be worth trying something else for food as well--ghost shrimp, mussels, etc.
My eel went on a 5 week fast, that was the longest, and he was actually hunting down and eating several hitch hikers from some new live rock that I'd added. I wouldn't worry until you start seeing serious signs of starvation--ie, sunken tummy, day time activity, and swimming at the surface. Might be worth trying something else for food as well--ghost shrimp, mussels, etc.
Phew! 
It's quite common for eels to go on "hunger strikes", in the wild.
My large, 3' Whitemouth Moray just ended a 6 week strike, 2 nights ago. It's sometimes not uncommon for them to go up to 6 months without eating, and they'll be fine.
My large, 3' Whitemouth Moray just ended a 6 week strike, 2 nights ago. It's sometimes not uncommon for them to go up to 6 months without eating, and they'll be fine.
Thank you for the info! I'm an animal science major, and I'm always interested in the way animals can do these amazing things. I wonder what it is about eels that they can go for so long without food?
I'm sure due to their low activity levels, eels probably have a slower metabolism than most. Sound right to anyone else (took a shot in the dark)