want to eat but cant!

[devillion]

my lionfish just stopped eating,well he tries to eat but he just holds food in his mouth and acts as if hes coughing,and wont swallow it,but holds tight to the food in his mouth.eventually he spits it out after trying for an hour or so giving up and i know hes hungry,cuase every time i come home,hes at the top of the tank witing for me to feed him.HELP PLEASE!thanks. A.S. <img src="graemlins//eek.gif" border="0" alt="[eek]" />

 

[beth]

What were you feeding the lionfish prior to this problem?
Hopefully not live freshwater feeder fish.

 

[devillion]

about ayear ago i had been feeding freshwater fish untill i was informed to stop instantly,since then nothing but silversides,and a few ghost shrimp,although i did forget to mention that about 2 months ago one of my hermit crabs came up missing,and i think he must have eaten him,but he has been eating and digesting his food up untill now.im lost and dont want to lose my lion,but then again i guess thats part of saltwater hobby.any more info would be much appreciated!!!!!!thanks again A.S.

 

[beth]

Have you posted the problem over the Agressive Forum? They are more familiar with lionfish and some of their parculiar aspects. I'm not saying that the fish is not sick, but in the absense of other symptoms, at this point, I can't really identify a disease process. Perhaps Terry, Ed or Frank has additional insights, but, in the meantime, I'd suggest that you vist the Aggressive Forum as well.

 

[fmarini]

Hi:
I think Terry may have hit on an important point, fish which are feed poor diets can result in goiters which block the throat. i have found this more common in fish fed w/ freeze dried krill as a main diet.
Another possiblity is having a food item or peice of substrate lodged in the fishes throat. As Terry Mentioned can you see into the lions mouth and throat? is it clear.
frank

 

[devillion]

when ever he opens his mouth it looks fine,no obstructions or any thing that i can see,he just acts as if he has a sore throat??????????thanks guys for answering back,i'll go to aggresives with the info you guys gave me and see what they say.THANKS.A.S.