FishProfiles.com Message Forums

i just got a butterfly fish (Pantodon buchholzi)a few days ago, and i love this fish. hesnot really sick, justnot eating that i see. when i feed myfish i watch them...so i feel confidant in saying he hasnt eaten since i got him. he was rescued from walmart where he was extreemly stressed, so i didnt worry at first because i know stressed fish dont often havemuch of an appitite. its a calm tank with an small timid angel and some corydoras. all the levels arewhere they are supposed to be, but he still seems stressed and wont eat. other than hiding and not eating he looks the picture of health, he just stays in the corner and starves. i was sondering if anyone had any experiances with these fish, or just had any thoughts, i'll be grateful for any info, i want to take good care of my fish.

Gem,
First welcome to FishProfiles. We are a great group of people and are willing to help if we can. For the most we are a fun loving group...

Now with that said, What are you trying to feed the butterfly? I've never had one myself, but the following link should help:

[link=http://www.fishprofiles.com/files/profiles/butterfly.xml]http://www.fishprofiles.com/files/profiles/butterfly.xml" style="COLOR: #FFC0C0[/link]

After reading through the information myself it makes me think of brine shrimp immediately...I myself wouldn't be able to do the daddy long legs, I hate spiders...maybe ants? Ghost shrimp? I know it says they are carnivorous, but from my experience all my fishies love peas (frozen peas defrosted and mushed to a pulp). You might just have to try smal bits and pieces of things till you find what he likes...Try another lfs in the area and see if they have any suggestions...

Best of luck, and welcome to fp,
Heidi

"I've got a great ambition to die of exhaustion rather than boredom." Thomas Carlyle

thanks for the advice, i did try a live daddy long legs earlier, and it showed breif intrest, but didnt try to eat it. this is a slight improvement, but it remains nervous and hides. maybe hes still adjusting to the new tank? the one he was in before at walmart was full of coloumbian sharks...and i mean full, so this must be abig adjustment...thanks for the welcome, this seems like a great site, its alredy helped bunches...

Crickets may be the answer. The butterfly fish love crickets and will usally gulp em down. Otherwise dont feed him for a little bit and see if he will calm down then try to feed him

well...i'll keep crickets inmind if i ever end up with another butterfly...i'm afraid i lost this one. i think it was just a little byond me.i'll stick to my cichlids for a while i think, thanks for the help, i'm glad to have found this site.

Glad to hear you're enjoying your stay.

The butterfly fish we have at work enjoy crickits. They loooove them. Once in awhile I we'll toss in smaller minnows. They go for anything live basically. Really interesting fish, I hope you consider trying another one. A drip acclimation might be wise for these guys, we keep ours in RO water. HTH
[/font]

-Formerly known as the Ferretfish

I've found that they're rather delicate fish. I've kept many-- and they seem fine one day, then suddenly...are dead Mine eat floating flakes or freeze dried foods (since they float) just fine. Though they do relish crickets, or small feeder fish that are near the top (or even feeder fish as big as they are My butterflies are pigs!!)

i have noticed they are pretty delicate. well, this these tips, i wont be scared to try if i see another. around here they arent too common. right now i'm in the process of setting up a 100gallon tank, so i have my hands full,but its afun project to think of for the future,thanks everyone