And yet another Lion feeding question...

[mavis1032]

I keep reading to feed a Lion every 2-3 days. Is there any harm in feeding it more often? My volitan is large 7"-8" and wants food every time I feed the rest of the tank. He usually will eat 4-5 silversides right from my hand and an occasional piece of shrimp or squid off of the feeding stick (all soaked in vitamins). Is ther a reason not to feed every day?

 

[nicetry]

These fish naturally consume a meal and then take a day or two to digest their food. Feeding every 3 days is sufficient and mimics their natural feeding regimen. Feed them too much and too often and food can go undigested, in essence rotting in their belly and causing health problems (impaction, infection) or death. Remember, they are a sedentary fish, so don't stuff them. Feed small portions, just until you see a slight bulge in the abdomen. They will often look hungry and seem as though they want to be fed. Don't give in to this. It's not in the fishes best interest.

 

[reefforbrains]

Originally Posted by nicetry
These fish naturally consume a meal and then take a day or two to digest their food. Feeding every 3 days is sufficient and mimics their natural feeding regimen. Feed them too much and too often and food can go undigested, in essence rotting in their belly and causing health problems (impaction, infection) or death. Remember, they are a sedentary fish, so don't stuff them. Feed small portions, just until you see a slight bulge in the abdomen. They will often look hungry and seem as though they want to be fed. Don't give in to this. It's not in the fishes best interest.

Nicetry-Very nicley said.
Lions it seems are famous for giving the puppy dog eyes for food.

 

[mavis1032]

Originally Posted by nicetry
These fish naturally consume a meal and then take a day or two to digest their food. Feeding every 3 days is sufficient and mimics their natural feeding regimen. Feed them too much and too often and food can go undigested, in essence rotting in their belly and causing health problems (impaction, infection) or death. Remember, they are a sedentary fish, so don't stuff them. Feed small portions, just until you see a slight bulge in the abdomen. They will often look hungry and seem as though they want to be fed. Don't give in to this. It's not in the fishes best interest.
Thanks, I guess I will have to ignore him then. I already have a very fat Black Lab because she always looks hungry.

 

[nicetry]

Lions I've kept before seemed to spring to life the minute you walked into the room, pacing back and forth along the front of the tank like they hadn't been fed in weeks. At first it can be tough not to give in, but they grow well with the intermittent small feedings.