Feeding Problem With My Red Albino Oscar

[sunstrip]

Hi guys...I'm having a major problem with my 8 month old Red Albino Oscar "Rosie"....about 4 months ago...while I was cleaning her tank...the light slipped and fell into the tank...no harm was done...but it totally freaked her out and she completely stopped eating and just sat in the bottom corner moping...up to that point she loved to eat pellets, krill, and fresh shrimp pieces and the occasional feeder fish...up to that point she was (and still is) very healthy and active...the only problem is that the only thing she will eat now are the feeders (for the last 2 months)....she absolutely refuses to eat ANYTHING else....she is in a 75 gallon tank by herself...all water parameters and temps are perfect..I've tried the stop feeding her route and that didn't work at all...she will just starve herself to death (as she almost did for the first 2 months of this fiasco...I'm getting real worried cause I'm getting 2 conflicting reports on this....1)...everywhere I read on the net says that just feeding her feeder fish will cause her malnutrition and she will die...BUT...the guy at my LPS says that she will be just fine and not to worry....please help me...I'm getting more worried everyday and I'm at a lose at what to do !!! Thanks for any and all help.

 

[minxfishy]

Stubborn as Mules are Oscars, now you say she almost starved when trying the 'starve' route, how long did you leave her without food, cos Im guessing you gave in, long before she would, your concern that she would starve, caused you to give in to her, its like having an awkward child who wins every time because you think they will do themself harm.

They can go a good while without food, yes they will sulk, lay sideways and generally guilt trip you into giving them what they want, but that way you wont ever get her off the feeders, which arent the best souce of food for her, yes they will sustain her, but for long term good health, you really need more substantial foods.

 

[sunstrip]

now you say she almost starved when trying the 'starve' route, how long did you leave her without food, cos Im guessing you gave in, long before she would, your concern that she would starve, caused you to give in to her, its like having an awkward child who wins every time because you think they will do themself harm.

A full 2 months and I would try to give her a couple of pellets once a week...wouldn't give in an inch...was almost ready to give her away and get another one...but the wife wouldnt let me...no way...no how...she would rather die than eat anything else...it's the craziest thing I ever saw.

 

[sunstrip]

Thanks for all the input guys...will take under advisement.

 

[Spishkey]

pure curiosity - do you feed her when the lights are on? if yes try keeping the lights off for a good hour or so, then as quiet and calm as you can slide some pellets into the tank. exit slowly and calmy and go away for an hour. come back and see if she's eaten (without turning the lights on)

she may be associating any lid movement with the lights falling and is getting herself worked up everytime you go to feed her, stressing out then going off food.
shes chasing down the feeder fish as they are 'there' and no lid movement is associated with these.

give it a try over a few days
oscars to me are like dogs, in more ways than one! they remember and connect things! you have to break the connection

 

[Davo86]

Following on from Spishkeys post, try feeding something like prawns or lance fish that will sink to the bottom, this way she won't have to travel up towards the light, so therefore shouldn't have the fear of it falling on her again.