My anemone won't eat!

new2salt3

Member
We are feeding him shrimp. He takes it and puts entire thing in his mouth and then spits it back out.. any suggestions?
 

nw2salt08

Active Member
He's probably not hungry. What kind is the anemone? I know when my RBTA is hungry the mouth bubbles up and it grabs the food with it's tentacles. How long have you had your anemone? What are your water params?
 

lexluethar

Active Member
As Nw said don't force it, if it is hungry it will eat. A few things, first to ensure it is healthy and in a healthy environment let us know about your water parameters and lighting.
Next would be to reassess what you are feeding it. An anemone under proper lighting won't need feeding at all. You can suppliment feeding if you like to a few times a month, but other than that it won't be necessary if lighting is correct.
Feed it pieces of shrimp no larger than its mouth (which is usually about the size of a dime). Don't try to force feed it either, place the food on its tenticles and allow it to grasp onto the food and take it to its mouth.
 

shyfish

Member
Originally Posted by LexLuethar
http:///forum/post/2961556
As Nw said don't force it, if it is hungry it will eat. A few things, first to ensure it is healthy and in a healthy environment let us know about your water parameters and lighting.
Next would be to reassess what you are feeding it. An anemone under proper lighting won't need feeding at all. You can suppliment feeding if you like to a few times a month, but other than that it won't be necessary if lighting is correct.
Feed it pieces of shrimp no larger than its mouth (which is usually about the size of a dime). Don't try to force feed it either, place the food on its tenticles and allow it to grasp onto the food and take it to its mouth.
Hi,
I thought you always had to feed an anemone, but not too often???
My Orange (Pink) Tube Anenome would not eat for about three weeks when I first got it about a year ago. Now I feed it shrimp just like the above quote says. Every two weeks. I use raw, uncooked and shelled shrimp and thaw it out then cut it into pieces. My serpent stars get the remainder of shrimp I don't feed the anemone. It is the only time I get to see my serpent stars.
 

meowzer

Moderator
Originally Posted by LexLuethar
http:///forum/post/2961593
Feed an anemone isn't necessary if you have proper lighting.
There has been talk on REEF CENTRAL on a thread about not feeding Silversides to Anemones.
That they will spit them back up.
BALONY IS ALL I CAN SAY
Where some people come up with this stuff is beyond me.
also there are some people that swear they never feed their
Anemones. Balony again.
There are no organisms on this planet that can survive without food of some sort.
These people swear that the lighting they get is the only food they need. (These people are just wrong)
Take what these people have to say with a grain of salt. (pun intended).
Not feeding Anemones is a death sentence for them so be aware that there are people out there that
insist that no feeding is necessary. ( When I see someone post that statement I no longer trust anything
they have to say)
And many more that go unanswered or the wrong advice given.
So be aware, there are people out there that have no idea what they are talking about when it comes to
Anemones and will just post to get their post count up or look important.
So do your research and use common sense when it comes to the care or your Anemone's.
Now for the info you came for.
BTA's are meat eaters.
They love Silversides , the tiny Minnow like fish that can be purchased at most Saltwater fish stores.
THIS is taken from www.karensroseanemones.com
By no means did I write it.
 

lexluethar

Active Member
There are tons of photosynthesis animals in the wild that require no food except light... Crazy how my BTA I had well over a year grew to four times its original size w/ very very very little feeding. I'm talking twice a month at most. Yet it grew as if it was getting enough nutrients... How would it grow four times its original size if it was under-fed or was given a death sentence?
I'm not here to start a debate or arguement, because obviously i'm here to just increase my post count as you said. Just giving you advice that has worked for me.
 

meowzer

Moderator
I'm sorry...I did not say anything at all about your post count.(IDK how many posts a person has)..that whole article was from a different site as I mentioned...I was also NOT trying to start a debate or argument just adding some information about anemones that I have read..I think all information should be presented....
 

lexluethar

Active Member
Originally Posted by meowzer
http:///forum/post/2961615
I'm sorry...I did not say anything at all about your post count.(IDK how many posts a person has)..that whole article was from a different site as I mentioned...I was also NOT trying to start a debate or argument just adding some information about anemones that I have read..I think all information should be presented....
So be aware, there are people out there that have no idea what they are talking about when it comes to
Anemones and will just post to get their post count up or look important.
 

new2salt3

Member
Sorry guys, didn't mean to start anything. I will my boyfriend check out the lighting this afternoon, as I am at work and he's off today. I am new to this salt gig... I will take a picture of our tank and let you see! We're learning fast and always appreciate all opinions and comments! :)
 

lexluethar

Active Member
Lighting or not, just make sure the pieces are no larger than it's mouth when you are feeding it, and don't force feed it. Let it grab the food w/ the tenticles and let the anemone do the work. As meowzer said you can also use Silver Sides if the anemone isn't liking the shrimp.
If it is new to the tank it may take a few weeks to find a spot and become acclimated to its new environment. Don't force things, if it doesn't take food one day wait another three or four before trying again.
 

aquavegas

Member
a protine skimmer is a must i am in the market looking to get one too, do you have a sump/fuge?
if not get one that can hook on the back of your tank and that can also go into a sump/fuge try to stay away from cheep ones spend the exta bucks to get one that will last try ---- but make sure you research which brand sounds like it would best fitting for your tank then find the lowest price on the net
i am looking at a few brands :Coralife super skimmer, AquaC Urchin Protein Skimmer
 

meowzer

Moderator
Originally Posted by LexLuethar
http:///forum/post/2961651
So be aware, there are people out there that have no idea what they are talking about when it comes to
Anemones and will just post to get their post count up or look important.
Just to correct you...That was taken from another site...I did not (personally) say that, I guess I could have edited that sites words, but I put exactly what THEY said.
 

lmecher

Member
Originally Posted by meowzer
http:///forum/post/2961615
I'm sorry...I did not say anything at all about your post count.(IDK how many posts a person has)..that whole article was from a different site as I mentioned...I was also NOT trying to start a debate or argument just adding some information about anemones that I have read..I think all information should be presented....
Stirring the pot

Many around here don't agree with Karen on this subject. Her views are very strong on feeding and can be insulting to many who have been successfully keeping anemones with very little or no feedings. Karen is just a nice lady who chooses to share her personal experiences with others. I have respect for her as I would for anyone who is successful keeping anemones and would be so kind as to share her wisdom and personal photos to help others. Her site is an excellent source of information but she has some very severe critics. The feeding subject is the most touchy so maybe in the future don't quote her, try Wetwebmedia.com next time
 
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