Porcupine puffer not feeding

[c4greene]

I've seen this question listed, but I haven't found much to work yet. I tried to feed him Krill and now I've learned not to do that. I have also tried silver sides and clams. I've heard of this galic thing. How is this done? Just crush up garlic and soak the food in it for a while and throw it in the tank? Should I be trying to feed him everyday?

Thanks for any help.

[purplecandle]

Look here for a list of things to feed
library/feeding/feeding-your-puffers/

Look here for advice for a picky eater and how often to feed.
library/feeding/feedingproblems/

From what I hear your puff needs much more variety..how big is it?

[purplecandle]

do you know why he is not eating? Any issues with water parameters or tank size or tankmates?

[c4greene]

I've tested the water and it's fine. He's out swimming around now that I have my lights off and he tried a couple of times at the silver sides by biting them, but not eating them. Once the silver sides hit the bottom then he's not interested. Tankmates are a auriga butterfly, blue and yellow tang. He's not getting picked on that I can see.

[Ohyouknow]

As for the garlic thing, I bought crushed garlic (little minced garlic in garlic juice)... I spoon out some juice, and mix with the food to soak.

I've also tried making dead things look alive too (to a certain extent) by skewering on bamboo skewers, and swishing it around the tank, or tying fishing line to food and tugging it around in the water (kind of like fishing!) Once my puff figured out it's alright, (and that he LIKES it) it was game on!

[trekenk]

I've tested the water and it's fine. He's out swimming around now that I have my lights off and he tried a couple of times at the silver sides by biting them, but not eating them. Once the silver sides hit the bottom then he's not interested. Tankmates are a auriga butterfly, blue and yellow tang. He's not getting picked on that I can see.

If you could post the actual numbers of your readings and tank size it would be more helpful. Porc Puffer's are known to be nocturnal but do adjust after awhile to our schedules. How long have you had this guy and if you have just purchased him recently was he eating dead food at the LFS?

[zyquine]

My porc wasnt eating right away also, at night i would put a half shell of mussel into the tank and would watch in the moonlights and he would find and devour the mussel, maybe try that. After awhile he started coming around and eating infront of me and now its no problem!