Mandarin Dragonet Refuses to Eat.

[meanbaby01]

Howdy folks. I decided to control my copepod issue, and bought a Dragonet. I don't specifically remember if she looked plump when I bought her (on Thursday). Friday, I noticed her belly was sunken in, and I knew it was going to be a problem. I know I have plenty of little critters for her to eat, so I let her be. I realized I had some frozen brine shrimp in the freezer. I offered some to her, and she wouldn't go for it. (I read they were picky eaters). So, tonight, I'm afraid I wont have a fish in the morning. She is still very starved looking, swimming/floating toward the top, and she is canted a wee bit sideways. I'm really quite aggrivated because my LPS does not offer a guarentee because they "ensure the sale of healthy animals." I do not think my fish was healthy. There's no way it starved in one night. (Especially considering the "buffet" in my tank.)
Now, what the heck do I do? I read bloodworms, maybe? But, I don't know if she's going to make it until tomorrow.

 

[mandarin w]

There is no way she starved (to the sunken belly stage in one day. I would say the she wasn't eating at the LFS either. and they knew that. People leave for the weekend all the time and the fish are left to fend for themselves for two to three day with no ill effects. I would take the fish back to the LFS and demand your money back, If they refuse to give you a store credit, Then I would remind them that as a hobbist you have a tank to fill, and keep up. And you could easily take your business elsewhere. and inform other hobbiest you know that they don't stand behind thier fish. They should at least give you store credit. And in the furture, when ever you go to buy a fish, ask them if you could see it eat. Make sure to watch the fish eat. Check it belly, the look of the fish. how it acts in the tank, Then if you are interested, Ask them to hold the fish for a few days, most I've dealt with will. Come back and check on the fish in two or three days. If it is still eating and active in the tank, then go ahead and buy it. But remember to put it in a QT tank for a couple weeks before you put it in your dispay.

 

[oceanblue1]

Originally Posted by mandarin w
There is no way she starved (to the sunken belly stage in one day. I would say the she wasn't eating at the LFS either. and they knew that. People leave for the weekend all the time and the fish are left to fend for themselves for two to three day with no ill effects. I would take the fish back to the LFS and demand your money back, If they refuse to give you a store credit, Then I would remind them that as a hobbist you have a tank to fill, and keep up. And you could easily take your business elsewhere. and inform other hobbiest you know that they don't stand behind thier fish. They should at least give you store credit. And in the furture, when ever you go to buy a fish, ask them if you could see it eat. Make sure to watch the fish eat. Check it belly, the look of the fish. how it acts in the tank, Then if you are interested, Ask them to hold the fish for a few days, most I've dealt with will. Come back and check on the fish in two or three days. If it is still eating and active in the tank, then go ahead and buy it. But remember to put it in a QT tank for a couple weeks before you put it in your dispay.

Good advice!!!

 

[oceanblue1]

Originally Posted by MeanBaby01
Howdy folks. I decided to control my copepod issue, and bought a Dragonet. I don't specifically remember if she looked plump when I bought her (on Thursday). Friday, I noticed her belly was sunken in, and I knew it was going to be a problem. I know I have plenty of little critters for her to eat, so I let her be. I realized I had some frozen brine shrimp in the freezer. I offered some to her, and she wouldn't go for it. (I read they were picky eaters). So, tonight, I'm afraid I wont have a fish in the morning. She is still very starved looking, swimming/floating toward the top, and she is canted a wee bit sideways. I'm really quite aggrivated because my LPS does not offer a guarentee because they "ensure the sale of healthy animals." I do not think my fish was healthy. There's no way it starved in one night. (Especially considering the "buffet" in my tank.)
Now, what the heck do I do? I read bloodworms, maybe? But, I don't know if she's going to make it until tomorrow.

Dont give up you just had a little bad luck :help: Better luck next time!!! :happyfish

 

[puffer32]

Mandrins are one fish not recommended to put in QT. They need to eat off LR. Also, because of their slime coat, rarely get ich, quaranteeing for 6 weeks, they would likely starve to death.

 

[hatessushi]

6 weeks is an awfully long time to QT a new fish. I QT mine for 2 weeks. Biw I can see 6 weeks if you are performing hypo, but I believe this is a new fish being talked about.

 

[puffer32]

OH yeah, I was alittle off on the QT for a new fish. Sorry. Still don't think I would QT a mandrin 2 weeks is still along time for it to go without eating unless it eats something besides pods.

 

[imurnamine]

Ohh, keep us posted on your Mandarin!
I don't understand why she wouldn't be eating if there are copepods available...? Maybe she was already sick...

 

[1journeyman]

Sounds like the fish was sick before ya got it. Good luck!