If I had discus fish not eating or picking at the food, it’s often a red flag indicating that something is amiss in its environment or health. Recognizing the symptoms early and understanding how to address them can make a significant difference in the health and happiness of your discus fish. Here’s a detailed look at why your discus fish may be off its feed and how to help it regain its appetite.
1. Check for Signs of Illness
Observation of Feces: One of the first indicators of a discus fish’s health is the color and consistency of its feces. Healthy discus fish produce brown or black feces. If you notice a change in color or consistency, it could signal a health problem. White or stringy feces, for example, can indicate a parasitic infection such as hexamita.
Hexamita Infection: Hexamita, commonly referred to as “hole in the head disease,” affects many cichlids, including discus. This parasite resides in the intestines, consuming nutrients from the food your fish eats, leading to malnutrition and weight loss. Infected fish might stop eating, pick at food without consuming it, and gradually waste away.
2. Treating Hexamita and Other Parasitic Infections
Use of Metronidazole: One effective treatment for hexamita is Metronidazole. This medication helps eliminate intestinal parasites and can be administered either through medicated food or directly into the aquarium water. When using this treatment, ensure that you follow the dosage instructions carefully and monitor your fish’s response to the medication.
Water Quality and Tank Management: Alongside medication, maintaining optimal tank conditions is crucial. Ensure that the water temperature and pH levels are suitable for discus fish (typically around 82-86°F and a pH of 6.5-7.5). Regular water changes and tank cleanings are vital to prevent the spread of parasites and diseases.
3. Encouraging Your Discus Fish to Eat
Tempting with Live Food: If your discus fish has survived an illness but is still reluctant to eat, you can try tempting it with live food. Live black worms and live brine shrimp are excellent choices. The movement of live food can trigger your discus fish’s instinctual feeding behaviors, encouraging it to start eating again. If you can’t get your discus to eat, they will waste away and die. (Discus can go without eating for about 3 weeks or so. (n my experience)
In the old days, about 40 or so years ago, I forced fed a Discus fish who wouldn’t eat, and it survived.
Gradual Reintroduction to Regular Diet: Once your discus fish shows interest in live food, gradually reintroduce its regular diet. This transition should be done slowly to allow the fish to adjust without causing further stress.
Conclusion
Your discus fish not eating can be distressing, but with the right knowledge and care, you can diagnose the issue and help your pet recover. Always pay close attention to any changes in your fish’s behavior or appearance and act quickly to address potential health issues.
The method you’ve described can be a vital tool in the aquarist’s arsenal for dealing with parasitic infections, especially when used thoughtfully and in conjunction with other treatments. It showcases the importance of understanding the needs and tolerances of your specific aquatic pets to ensure their health and well-being. For more tips and discussions on fish care, check out our community pages on Facebook and connect with other fish enthusiasts and experts.