non-eating lionfish

[annell]

I have a v-lionfish that was eating great for 6+months and then stopped eating...period. It went over 2 weeks without anything, then ate a little krill, and now, has not eaten again in over 3 weeks. I've tried everything. He seems like he's interested, but then, loses interest and goes back to being sedentary. For the first six months, he swam all over, ate whenever fed, and appeared very happy and healthy.
Any ideas??? Tank is 95 gallons and includes a stars and stripes puffer, 2 triggers, tomato clown and three damsels.

 

[annell]

Thank you soooo much for responding. I fed it 2-3 times a week, an amount equal to 2-4 krill a week. Miso shrimp go in the tank for other fish, but he's not interested at all.
Just fed again tonight and he came up looking to eat, but looks at the food, then backs away. I've tried 'go shrimp' a couple of times, but he won't go after that either. It's almost like he wants to be spoon fed???
How long can he go without eating??
We water change every 2-3 weeks and the water always tests out GREAT in all areas. We test the water, as well as, our local fish store, and they can't figure it out either.
Any other ideas, please let me know.
I'm stumped, and don't want to loose him. He's beautiful!!!

 

[beth]

Annell, I'm going to copy this over to the Aggressive Forum where folks have some more specific knowledge about the habits of this fish.
However, spoon feeding lions is not out of the question. You may actually have to do this.
I would post up info regarding your tank size, type tank, other fish in tank, swiming room, size of lionfish, in addition to all your water readings [including nitrates and pH]. Even if they are "great" it is good that we know that info.
Copying you over to Aggressive.

 

[annell]

Thank you very much. Tried feeding again last night and he was interested, but no luck. He did open his mouth hugely a couple times, almost like a whale filtering krill???? We couldn't believe how big his mouth actually opened!!!
I'll get all the tank and water info to you asap.
Thank you again for your help. Happy New Year.

 

[beth]

Try some chunks of fresh seafood, like shrimp, that you can get from your seafood counter at the grocery store. Use a turkey baster for delievery.
Sometimes you do actually have to hook food onto sharp stick and try to entice fusy lionfish. Is he otherwise looking good and healthy?