Eel help.

[piscesblue]

I just got a Snowflake Eel and am having problems getting him to eat dead food. He is only 11" long and has tried sampling everything in the tank. He killed 1 Emerald Crab by dismemberment (poor crab) and has even tried eating a snail. My Coral Banded Shrimp doesn't agree with me that his new neighbor is great, but he holds his own. What have you guys/gals had luck with? I plan on running to the store soon to get some silversides, but would like to feed 8-Ball (my eel) a well balanced diet. He obviously doesn't like fresh shrimp, as all 4 of mine are still alive. I know he's hungry do to the fact he is pacing the tank, nibbling at everything. Hope you can help, I'd like to feed him Thanksgiving dinner tonight for a treat. Give 8-Ball a reason to be thankful I saved his arse from *****.

 

[carrie1429]

Try posting this in the aggressive forum, you might get more responses there.

 

[piscesblue]

I wanted to target my fellow eel/reef keepers. I've seen several reefers with eels on here.

 

[ed r]

Back when I had a fish only tank I had a snowflake. I fed silversides or krill twice a week. I had a plastic rod with a toothpick rubberbanded to the end. I impaled the food and then waved it in front of his nose. At first he might be scared or annoyed, but in any case he will probably bite the food. Then realizing what it is, he will eat. After a couple of times, he may come running when he sees the rod. Good luck.

 

[susiepan]

Also what ever you try, you might want to soak in garlic extract for awhile....this tend to frenzy the senses, and they usually eat like a charm...
gl with 8 ball
~Susie

 

[piscesblue]

Thanks guys, I speared some squid with a cleaner brush (the kind you clean your filter tubes with) and he came out to eat. He won't attack the food if it is sitting out in front of him, but once I speared and waved it, he came running. I think my brittle star is going to explode from the pieces I floated earlier!