going to get a new lion.. have questions.

shrimpi

shrimpi

Active Member
this is a continution of this thread (click here to view the situation if you want )
I would like to 'adopt' a new 'family member' for my tank.
I recently lost a fuzzy dwarf (cutest little guy). And I would like to get another.
Would a fuzzy dwarf or
a fu manchu be a better choice?

Any experiences with these guys to compare?
Any idea as to a better way to pick one or purchase one to maybe avoid another situation like the one I just had? SWF.com doesnt have any its a 'email me' item.
Thanks guys.
I love the network here, its so helpful.
Jess/Shrimpi
 
v-lioness

v-lioness

Member
Fuzzy dwarf really is easier than the Fu Man Chu, Here is what Frank M. said about the Fu Man Chu.
Fu Man Chu lionfish - The Fu Man Chu lionfish is one of the more difficult lionfish to keep in the home aquarium because they ship very poorly and they don't readily wean from live to prepared foods. These fish are among the most shy and cautious lionfish I have ever owned, and it is imperative that caves and hiding spots are made available for this fish to hide. Initially, they spend much of their time hiding in the rockwork and will only come out to feed. These fish will have problems competing with fast swimming fish for food, and unless they are target fed, will starve. Live ghost shrimp should be among the first foods offered to establish this fish onto an aquarium diet, and once it is comfortable and begins coming out from hiding, the aquarist can begin to wean the fish onto prepared foods.
IMO- Let the LFS hold the lion for 7 - 10 days, when it is at the LFS you can start to wean the lion over to frozen foods, it really is much easier to work with in smaller cubes..... Very easy to buy the ghost shrimp, gut load them and feed your new lion. If the lion is small, try to feed every 2 days, personally I do not let young lions go long without food, yes, it is tougher to wean, young lion can starve faster than adult lions.
If they will not hold the lion for you, and you decide to bring the lion home, quarantine the lion in a smaller tank. It is easier to work with your new lion in a smaller tank than most display tanks.
Watch the eyes, make sure they are clear, watch the fins, make sure they are not looking tattered, discoloration, scrapes, bloating and so on..... The same as you would with any fish.
Kaye
 
shrimpi

shrimpi

Active Member
one of my LFS has a new baby fuzzy- about 2" in size.- but she just got him yesterday, so I wouldnt buy him right away anyway.
So basically you are saying that the fuzzy will be 'easier' and less shy?
I have no problem letting the fish stay at the LFS for a few weeks Im not in a rush at all.
Ive never seen a fumanchu at a LFS so I would have to order him.
 
v-lioness

v-lioness

Member
So basically you are saying that the fuzzy will be 'easier' and less shy?
Right, along with not shipping as well and tougher to get on frozen foods.
That is pretty small, take some consideration with this dwarf, it may need food. Try gut loaded ghost shrimp or fiddler crabs with this lion as soon as possible, you can even try small silversides or Frozen sand eels, small chunk of raw shrimp or raw crab with the lion.
Many times I will take my own feeder stick and food to the LFS to try with a lion, just to see if I can get it eating. Call first, let them know you are interested in the lion, chances are they will have no problem with you working with this lion. Buy a few ghost shrimp see if it will take them.
Kaye
 
shrimpi

shrimpi

Active Member
found another fuzzy dwarf thats at another store about 45 min from my house.
I went there today to check him out and he is perfect, about 3.5 inches.
They have had him for about 4 weeks and he is eating frozen foods off of the feeding stick for them!
The only problem was that I noticed he had a little injury on his upper lip on the right side. The owner said that today when she went to go feed him, he rushed up to the feeding stick to grab the food and injured his lip.
They are gonna keep him for an additional week in their medication tank to make sure he doesnt get an infection.
I think that this guy is gonna work out well ,he is a good eater (eats frozen) and looks very healthy otherwise. (clear eyes etc,)
Knowing that he has been in their tank for 4 weeks makes me a little more relaxed too.
I paid for him and Im gonna pick him up next thursday if everything looks good.
 
v-lioness

v-lioness

Member
WOW, That is Great to hear.......
Mouth damage heals pretty fast, so your new lion should be good to go Thursday.
Good Luck,
Kaye
 
shrimpi

shrimpi

Active Member
thanks! Im really happy that I found him.
I think I will (and him too) have a good shot at making this work. I feel confident that he is healthy.
The mouth injury wasnt very big, but I figured it would be best for him to stay in thier 'hospital tank' until Im back in that area on thursday.
I will post as soon as I get him!
Im so excited!!!

Thanks again Kaye, Ill be sure to track you down for more questions as my lion-esque experiences continue. (hope you dont mind)
It can be very hard to find un-biased help anywhere.
Jessica/shrimpi
 
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