Trigger suddenly hiding and not eating.

[wen tom]

Hi to all. Anyone have any ideas on why a young, but thriving piccaso trigger would suddenly stop eating and start hiding most of the time? I got him in Nov. Pretty small, quite thin, but have fattend him up well. He's been social, swims around all the time, and ate great. Is growing well and colors brightening nicely. Thank you.

 

[theschlay]

Any changes to the tank? New fish, light, anything? Test your water lately? I love my Piccasso Trigger and they are not shy so if he is hiding there is a reason. I would start with checking your water for Ammonia, Phosphates, Nitrites etc..

 

[wen tom]

I love mine too. Keep up on the param's pretty good but will check, good idea. Nothing new. Whats weird is now he is out much more but all he wants to do is cuddle. He wasn't eating any of the mysis or flake that he used to snarf so I hold small pieces of shrimp, (he likes to be hand fed,) but he's not that interested in the shrimp, just my petting and kinda holding him, swimming around and in thru my fingers. I can get him to take a bite about everyday or every other day but he's definatly loosing weight. (sad face, my computer doesnt do it!) Thanks

 

[theschlay]

You hold and touch your trigger? Wow.. most people use gloves when putting their hands in a trigger tank. Wanting to be touched or scratched coupled with the lack of eating sounds like he could be sick. Picasso triggers don't show marine velvet or ick like darker colored fish. Is he breathing heavy? Based on your close relationship with your fish I would just ask him what's wrong the next time you cuddle. . If you have a favorite fish store I would ask them to send someone out. Some of these issues can act fast.

 

[trev-salt55]

I just had this problem i git him in november as well no joke he was skinny so i feed him meaty foods and after that he started to hid himself no swimming just jammed himself into rocks all day long. These fish have to be feed nonstop each day and if you dont and do it like once everyday he will die mine died last night it sucked and once he refuses to eat id try yo put live food in the tank shrimp or little fidh for him to eat if that doesnt work nothing will sorry and good luck youll need it

 

[theschlay]

Thats interesting Trev, I have had triggers for years and have never had this problem. I once had the tank contract Marine Velvet (or something) and we had to set up a hospital tank and I lost fish then. The thing with Picasso triggers is they dont show the symptoms of Marine Velvet as well as other fish so sometimes you dont know they are sick. I have always found Triggers to be the best eaters. I would have someone look at this fish ASAP who can diagnos him. If he is sick, you have to act fast.

 

[wen tom]

Well, I don't hold him, I curl my fingers and he comes in (like rock or cave) he does like me to touch him and yes, he does occasionally kinda nip at me but its that "clicking" thing they do. It doesn't hurt. Don't know that I'd be as willing if he were full grown. Had an adult for years, very sweet, never had any problems. I read they can devope bladder problems. Was told by an espert that can happen when they surface eat, (get air) When my husband was feeding him last week he said he did that, and when I try to hand feed he will go to the top but I try to keep him down. The live food is a great idea, I'll look into that, (I'm out in Po-dunk so I'll look online) My supplier doesn't have experience with Triggers so I'll call where I got this guy from. Good idea too! Thanks for all your help guys.

 

[theschlay]

Good luck. I wasn't making fun about the cuddling. I loved the story. I hope he pulls through for you. I had a big Hawaiian Trigger and he was aggressively mean. I wore gloves. My Picasso never bit. Triggers are beautiful even if messy eaters and a little psychotic.

 

[wen tom]

Thanks, was not offended. I had a Picasso and Niger for years. Got a clown and within 24 hours back he went! He was mean! I know they can be, they all have such different personalities. And by the way, I DO ask him! And pray for him. And hope my loving energy will help. LOL! (but i really do!)

 

[wen tom]

Hey Trev, so sorry for your loss (seriously) I really wish we knew why this happens though, cuz you can't make them eat if they don't want to. Interesting this morn. doing our touch and me trying to get him to take a bite. The clowns were, so he did, and as soon as he did he went and hid, like "yuck", or like it made him feel bad. You know how when your sick eating is the LAST thing you want to do. A mystery. The gal at the fishplace said they get parasites. Wonder if thats what ours have, or got. I did change something though, I increased my water changes (amount) and just learned pretty important to let it set 24 hours. So now I'm doing that and breaking it back down but twice a week. Hard to figure when all the other fish are so healthy.

 

[wen tom]

OK! Get this one. He seemed rather intrigued by the white clip that holds the nori for the tang and angel, so. . . put the nori on for them and the trigger is eating it up! Hmmm. Color? Pecking? I'm totally stumped. On my way to the fish store to get something red (tuna or salmon) and a clam to peck at! Is it safe to put a dead clam in the tank?

 

[theschlay]

I learned something in a previous post. If you increased your water changes (always a good thing right???) make sure the temp and salinity of the water you add is the same as what you replace. This is a big deal and can stress a fish which leads to illness. I know first hand as I lost a fish to illness following an increase in water changes (my Nitrates were climbing slightly so I doubled up for a month). Letting the water sit for 24 hours is also recomended but make sure you are heating your water as well. (same temp as tank). I bought some cheap digital therm because its that important.

You are OK with having the clam in the tank but dont let it sit for long. It will start to decay and increase the Nitrates in the tank.

 

[wen tom]

Yep! Came to same conclusion. "What am I doing different?" So talked to my fish guy and that is what we came up with. Always have temp. and salinity the same but never knew to let it set for 24 hrs. Another SWF person (where I got him) said you don't need to do that if you use RO water, but I don't agree. So, 2 times a week, half the amount, and pump running for 24 hrs. Thanks for your help!