What to do with Striped Peacock Eel?

[Jox]

I have a a striped Peacock Eel (not the ordinary peacock) for about a month now and it has never eaten yet. I have another Eel in another tank of different variation and he is eating like a pig on brineshrimp. I tryed all different foods for the striped one and it has never taken any . I don't know what to do with it. I feel bad because its hurting . I tryed giving it away but some petshops dont want it. Any Ideas? I feel bad taking care of it now but I don't know anyone thats a friend who has experience with fish keeping

 

[Paul_MTS]

if you can put him on a tank on his own if he isn't, leave the lights off and provide lots of hiding places then try feeding with live bloodworm.

if he's in a crowded tank then he's probable too scared to feed, they can be quite shy.

 

[mellowserra]

Hi Jox.

Sometimes it can be difficult to get spiny eels to start feeding well, though most of them will take to live food. Have you tried feeding him right in front of his nose with a baster or medicine dropper?

When I got my spiny he refused to eat nonlive foods (and still does now, although I can trick him into taking some bloodworm every now and then). He readily takes blackworm and guppy/molly fry, as nearly all fish will.

Another tank may be a good idea for now so he doesn't get outcompeted for food. Good luck.

 

[Jox]

Yeah I tryed the eye dropper technique. It's how I got the other eel to eat but not this one

 

[Dragonscales]

If you can't get hold of bloodworms then try some live blackworms. There is also a product you can buy that is called blackworm extract (pretty much pureed blackworms) and a squeeze of this into the tank is supposed to feed them whether they want food or not. I dunno how accurate this is but in your case I guess it's worth a try. I agree with paul though, feed at night with the lights off as eels are generally nocturnal and feel most comfortable during this time. Also, try not to watch, just drop the food in and walk away, you'd be suprised how well their eyesight is and are often reluctant to stay out if you are nearby.