Black red-tailed shark not eating: Suggestions?

[tidekeeper]

My black red-tailed shark hasn't eaten in three days. Tank's a 40 gallon, got a couple tetras and a pleco in there. Water's at 78F, params are 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 10 nitrate. Tried flakes, pellets, even bloodworms, but he just ignores it. What's the deal?

[Rhythm]

Three days isn't too alarming yet, but let's rule out stress first. How long have you had him? New additions to the tank lately? Also, check if the pleco's hogging food at night. Red-tails can get skittish with competition.

[dartle]

My black red-tailed shark hasn't eaten in three days. Tank's a 40 gallon, got a couple tetras and a pleco in there. Water's at 78F, params are 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 10 nitrate. Tried flakes, pellets, even bloodworms, but he just ignores it. What's the deal?

Yep, params look solid. Maybe try sinking wafers? Mine goes nuts for Hikari algae wafers. Also, dim the lights during feeding, they're kinda shy eaters.

[folksy9]

My cousin's shark did this once. Turned out the filter flow was too strong, dude couldn't chill near the food. You got a sponge filter or something gentler?

[lordpin]

Agree with checking flow. Also, red-tails are weird about new foods. Try garlic-soaked brine shrimp—sometimes the smell kicks their appetite into gear. Worked for my grumpy Oscar too.

[fortuna_4]

Is he hiding more than usual? Mine darts behind the driftwood if the tetras zoom around too much during feeding.

[tidekeeper]

Thanks, all. Got him two weeks ago, no new tankmates. Filter's a HOB, so flow might be the issue. Gonna try the wafers and garlic trick tonight.

[Rhythm]

Thanks, all. Got him two weeks ago, no new tankmates. Filter's a HOB, so flow might be the issue. Gonna try the wafers and garlic trick tonight.

Two weeks is still settling-in time. If the HOB's blasting, angle it toward the glass or stuff some sponge in the outflow. Keep us posted!

[dartle]

Oh, and if the wafers sink too fast, wedge 'em in a plant. Mine likes to 'forage' off the anubias leaves. Weirdo.

[lordpin]

Oh, and if the wafers sink too fast, wedge 'em in a plant. Mine likes to 'forage' off the anubias leaves. Weirdo.

Hah, same. Fish logic, right? Btw, tidekeeper, if the garlic doesn't cut it, try live blackworms. Messy but irresistible.