angelfish rejecting food

[Tippi]

We got 3 koi angelfish recently. When I feed them they would fairly
leap out of the water for the flakes. However now one of them is
sometimes found hiding under the filter. When it's not hiding and I
drop the flakes in, it will come up to half an inch of the flakes,
then just look at it. Tried dried blood worms, it took just a nibble.
Tried thawed frozen worms, it swallowed one, spat it out, and repeated
that a couple of times, finally rejecting it. What could be the
problem and what can I try next? thanks...

[carlrs]

On Apr 11, 7:22 pm, "Tippi" > wrote:
> We got 3 koi angelfish recently. When I feed them they would fairly
> leap out of the water for the flakes. However now one of them is
> sometimes found hiding under the filter. When it's not hiding and I
> drop the flakes in, it will come up to half an inch of the flakes,
> then just look at it. Tried dried blood worms, it took just a nibble.
> Tried thawed frozen worms, it swallowed one, spat it out, and repeated
> that a couple of times, finally rejecting it. What could be the
> problem and what can I try next? thanks...

This could be many things.

First, what are your water parameters?

*Ammonia 0
*Nitrites 0
* Nitrates under 50
*pH (this can vary, I have found more problems caused by rapid changes
than with the actuall pH)
* KH (usually 50-80 for angels)
*Gh (usually over 100 for electrolytes and calcium).

You may have an internal trematode or Hexamita, for this Metronidazole
(best fed in foods for FW) is very effective or even a combination of
Metronidazole and Kanamycin.
A 30 minute bath in Methylene Blue at double strength may be helpful
too (we used this a lot in our service business)
And finally I have found some success with Usnic acid too as a natural
treatment for similar symtoms.

Here is a site about medications (much more info about Metronidazole
and Methylene Blue and more) and one about Trematodes:
http://www.americanaquariumproducts.com/Aquarium_Medication.html
http://aquarium-answers.blogspot.com/2007/03/trematodes-and-nematodes-in-fish.html

Carl

[Tippi]

On Apr 12, 10:30 am, "carlrs" >
wrote:
>
> First, what are your water parameters?
>
Hmm, haven't thought about that. Will have to do a new test.

Also the link to medication is very helpful, thanks.

[Tynk]

On Apr 11, 9:22?pm, "Tippi" > wrote:
> We got 3 koi angelfish recently. When I feed them they would fairly
> leap out of the water for the flakes. However now one of them is
> sometimes found hiding under the filter. When it's not hiding and I
> drop the flakes in, it will come up to half an inch of the flakes,
> then just look at it. Tried dried blood worms, it took just a nibble.
> Tried thawed frozen worms, it swallowed one, spat it out, and repeated
> that a couple of times, finally rejecting it. What could be the
> problem and what can I try next? thanks...

You said you "recently got" these Angels.
Angelfish are notorious about going on a *hunger strike* when newer.
Sometimes they'll do this right away, and some may wait and then stop
eating.
They usually come around and start eating within a week.
When you talk about the Angel "hiding behind the filter", does that
mean it's just hanging around, kind of like swimming in place behind a
tube for the filter, or is it wedging it's self under something?
There's a huge difference between the 2, so please be specific.

[Tippi]

On Apr 12, 12:09 pm, "Tynk" > wrote:

> You said you "recently got" these Angels.
> Angelfish are notorious about going on a *hunger strike* when newer.
> Sometimes they'll do this right away, and some may wait and then stop
> eating.

Got them for about 2 months now. This one acted OK until 2 weeks ago.

> When you talk about the Angel "hiding behind the filter", does that
> mean it's just hanging around, kind of like swimming in place behind a
> tube for the filter, or is it wedging it's self under something?
> There's a huge difference between the 2, so please be specific.

Sometime I see it staying in place under the filter where there's
about 2 inches clearence (where the frog likes to hide too). Usually
it's swimming around OK. Actually it started eating a couple days ago,
then stopped again.

[Tippi]

And to reiterate, it's excited when I start to feed and rushes over,
but either does not touch the food or spits it out.

[Tynk]

On Apr 12, 8:28?pm, "Tippi" > wrote:
> And to reiterate, it's excited when I start to feed and rushes over,
> but either does not touch the food or spits it out.

Hi there.
If the fish is still getting all excited to see you and before a feed,
that's a good sign.
It's been too long to be a "hunger strike", which is common when first
added to a tank.
However, 2 months later....nope. Was anything else added recently to
the tank? Anything at all?
Fish, plant, snail, etc., new food never used before?
How does the fish look? Are his fins held erect or does it just hang
out in one place and look like a C....(dorsal and anal fins held close
to the body)?
Is this fish being chased when it comes out?
Pull up a chair by the tank and watch the behavior of all the fish.
It could be something as simple as the fish is being bullied and his
place to retreat is in the corner for now.
If you have a trustworthy local shop, you could try some live brine
shrimp to entice him to start eating again.
Make sure you have a small brine shrimp net so that you can rinse them
in fresh water before feeding.
Then you can either add the rinsed shrimps to a container of tank
water and feed several tanks or just take the net and swoosh it into
the tank. Angels go completely nuts when live food is added. They go
into a feeding frenzy that anyone who has angels should see.
Those that have know exactly what I mean. They are so gorgeous when
hunting live prey.
Not many Angels can resist a live meal, so see what you can find.
Stay away from live Blackworms or Tubifex worms. Too many nasties come
along for the ride with those.

[swarvegorilla]

"Tippi" > wrote in message
ups.com...
> On Apr 12, 10:30 am, "carlrs" >
> wrote:
>>
>> First, what are your water parameters?
>>
> Hmm, haven't thought about that. Will have to do a new test.
>
> Also the link to medication is very helpful, thanks.
>


Does sound like a prob with your water.
test the ammonia and nitrite levels
and be gentle cleaning the filter on the tank
if you have cleaned it under a tap, don't do it again!

I would do a 50% water change and see if that perks the fish up.
also check the temperature in the tank, may be too chilly