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Feeding my Lionfish? How much?

Discussion in 'Waterloo / Cedar Falls Area' started by Will E, Dec 2, 2009.

  1. Dec 2, 2009 #1
    Will E

    Will E

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    My Lionfish is about 4-5" long. Unless it is my imagination, he seems to be really smart. I have only had him (and my entire system) for less than two weeks. I transfered him, the sand, the rock, and the water from a friends system he was tearing down. He told me he only fed him a goldfish about once per week and gave other food through the week. However, the lion seems to want a goldfish (or two) on a daily basis. That is where the smart part comes in. He knows where I feed him and hangs out in that spot when he wants fed. If the goldfish is large enough, he leaves that spot and is disinterested in anything I do. However, if the goldfish was really small...he stays in the spot and will gladly take another one. He will also follow me through the room and just stare at me until I feed him. It is really wierd.

    I am wondering if a goldfish every day is too much? Also, I got some frozen fish for him and he wont touch them. He wants them alive. Also, I have a few other kinds of frozen food (brine shrimp and emerald entrees), seaweed, and pellets...and he only eats the goldfish. Should I cut down on the goldfish and hope he becomes interested in other kinds of food? 
    I would love some advice if anyone has any. I am very new to this, so please be patient with my questions if you can.
    Thanks,
    Will
    135gal FOWLR 
     
  2. Dec 2, 2009 #2
    xroads La Porte City, IA

    xroads Veteran Reefkeeper Vendor

    8,015
    La Porte City, IA
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    Well my friend I am glad you asked.

    Feed a lionfish goldfish is a sure way to kill it. Do a search & you will find a ton of articles on it.

    Here is a link to a great article about them

    http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2002-11/fm/feature/

    You can also ask Dr Marini questions on his forum at marinedepot.com
     
  3. Dec 2, 2009 #3
    fishyness

    fishyness Inactive User

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    +1 on stopping the freshwater fish feeding. Get some fresh scallops and shrimp, that should get him started eating non-live foods. Also, if you can find it, clams and squid, start with fresh........
     
  4. Dec 2, 2009 #4
    Will E

    Will E

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    Thanks for the article xroads. It had great info in it. It looks like I need to train him how to eat right. The article also discussed how the lions beg for food like mine does. I just have to ignore him.
    I am also glad I asked.
    Thanks all!
     
  5. Dec 2, 2009 #5
    jwess

    jwess

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    I recently saw in the frozen food isle at HyVee a whole bag of mixed scallops,clams, and raw squid and octopus. Ive been thinking I could by a whole bag and chop it up for fish food. It could also be a good switch for the lion. They also have frozen whole silversides.
    Josh
     
  6. Dec 2, 2009 #6
    Will E

    Will E

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    Josh,
    That sounds like a pretty good mixture of things. I have some frozen whole silversides, but haven't had luck getting my lion to eat them yet. Looks like starving him for a few days then training him to get away from live food is going to be my next challange.
     
  7. Dec 2, 2009 #7
    matt1971 Waterloo

    matt1971 Well-Known ReefKeeper

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    Waterloo
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    I fed a mix of thawed frozen seafood to a volitan lion for years. It preferred squid by far. Make sure you take out uneaten food right away and run a good protein skimmer.
     
  8. Dec 2, 2009 #8
    jtesdall

    jtesdall Expert Reefkeeper

    3,189
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    Make sure to look at the ingredients on those bagged food at the store, many times they have preservatives. Usually actually. They are also many times already cooked and the fish won't touch them. The oriental food store is the place to get deals on frozen seafood. They have great prices on Octopus, Squid and Shrimp. There is one on 6th by Mercy.
    The most important thing in feeding Lions and any fish really is variety to make sure they get the proper nutrients. For instance many people feed only Freeze dried krill to agressive tanks because it is cheap and they love it. Don't fall into this trap it will lead to the demise of your lionfish and puffers especially. I almost lost my puffer doing this.
     
  9. Feb 3, 2010 #9
    Guest

    Guest Guest

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    I have a lion fish and i have managed to take him off live feeders (rare occassion i feed him a goldfish) to frozen krill. i just splash the water around a little bit, get his attention and he seems to go for it right away. I tried using raw shrimp, but only my trigger enjoyed that (i even soaked it in garlic xtreme). I would try the frozen krill and work your way up from there.. well atleast it worked for me! Good luck!
     
  10. Feb 3, 2010 #10
    jtesdall

    jtesdall Expert Reefkeeper

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    Try silversides but in the long run you have to get away from Krill. Krill is OK once in a while but as their staple.
     

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