Black Lancer Help

[Suckermouth]

So I went to the fish store today and lo and behold there was a Black Lancer. I was surprised as anyone else would be considering the rarity; I've been wanting one since I learned about it from the Catfish of the Month article. It didn't look very skinny (actually, the underside is probably slightly curved out rather than being flat or curved in) and there was no sign of disease. Looked pretty happy under it's rock. So needless to say I got the fish.

The fish, between 3-4", is now in a 20 gallon alone. 0 Ammonia, 0 Nitrites, 0 Nitrates (all new water, but I saved filter floss to retain bacteria) and the temperature is 76F. There are rocks for hiding and it seems pretty comfortable. Right now it's in the dark, and I threw a few shrimp pellets in. The problem is that it isn't eating. It seems to be swimming around happily but it doesn't react to the food at all. Yes, it is the first day, and many would say not to worry. Needless to say, I do; sadly, my experience is that most fish that don't eat rather quickly don't live very long.

I want to know how I can get this fish to eat. Once I can get it to eat I'll feel a lot better...

[Silurus]

I would wait a while more before worrying. New introductions have been known not to eat for days. I would also start out with live/frozen foods rather than pellets.

[Jools]

I agree. I'd say at least a week and think that frozen bloodworm or brineshrimp are the best first foods but this fish really likes chopped mussel and cockles.

Just forget about the fish for a week and then feed it as above. I would also be tempted to keep it a little warmer say 78F.

Hard but easy!

Jools

[Shane]

Lee did some experiments a few years ago and found that they settled in better at 80-82F. Once settled in the temp can be lowered to 78F.
-Shane

[Suckermouth]

Whew, it's all good now. Today I fed the little guy some frozen bloodworms and he went nuts. He's now fat and happy.