New Clown Loaches not eating

[Jox]

So I have two new Clown Loaches. One has been here for 2 weeks and another for a week. They are about 6 inches each. They have been living in a 180 gallon tank. I've tryed a lot

Frozen Bloodworms,
Mixed Frozen food
Flakes
Zuchinni.

Though I think I have to get sinking pellets since I ran outta them.
Any other suggestions?

[mickthefish]

Hi Jox and welcome to LOL.
have you tried raw cocktail prawns left whole, one of my clowns did a similar thing to yours but i found out he was eating food that was being brought to his hole but the prawn will be proof that yours is eating, place it either near to it or in the place you see it most.

mick

[Jox]

I'm not sure if I can get cocktail prawns here in the US but I know I can get cocktail shrimp. I'm sure its the same thing. I'll give it a try.

[newshound]

somewhat mature fish
give them time
it would be a shock at that age being moved about

[chefkeith]

Do the clowns look emaciated?

It's best to quarantine new loaches for 3-4 weeks when you get them so that they can be treated for internal/external parasites before going into the main tank. Otherwise the main tank will be contaminated with any parasites that they might have.

It's also good to quarantine them so that they won't be competing for food with other fish. You'll also be able to watch them more carefully and be able to tell if they are eating.

If they're hungry, fresh whole foods are their favorites. Such as Shrimp, Clams, Mussels, Snails, and Fish (such as Cod).

[Graeme Robson]

Though I think I have to get sinking pellets since I ran outta them.

That would be useful.....

[vealboy]

Add a dozen ghost shrimp to the tank. It's been my experience that Clowns Eat Shrimp. If your clowns don't eat the ghost shrimp, at least the shrimp will help keep things clean.

[Jox]

Add a dozen ghost shrimp to the tank. It's been my experience that Clowns Eat Shrimp. If your clowns don't eat the ghost shrimp, at least the shrimp will help keep things clean.

I put four dozen and nothing happend and the shrimp got all eaten up by other fish. The Clown loaches have still not eaten to my knowledge and are very skiddish.

[FishyLady]

It's also good to quarantine them so that they won't be competing for food with other fish. You'll also be able to watch them more carefully and be able to tell if they are eating.

As they appear not to have eaten perhaps it would be best to separate them from other fish who may be taking their food. At least then you would know for sure if they are eating or not.

Val