The Puffer Forum

My new F8's eat CBW's and blood worms with no problem. I just tried to feed them some freshwater mysis relicta, and they don't seem to like it. Each one took it in their mouth, then spit it out. I'm going to try again, but does anyone have any experience in mysis and F8's? I can't believe they will eat a snail, but not shrimp

Also, I picked out 3 snail shells today, empty. I've seen them eat the snails, but they seem to suck the meat out. Is this normal?

Some are quite adept at sucking out the meat of snails (I think it is an acquired skill), mine do it with snails too large to fit in their mouths...I have never had to crush snails for them

My GSPs acted the same way the first time I offered frozen krill. They had been eating shell-on shrimp and freeze-dried krill for some time but didn't like the frozen krill for some reason. I mixed some in with the freeze-dried krill for a few feedings and they eventually got used to it.

But I don't understand guys! I thought the snail shells were to help w/shaving down their teeth? If they don't crunch them......grrrr.........

They still get some wear scraping the meat out of the shell

I am sure some one will correct me if I am wrong but, I think they still get some of the shell
the snails retreat into the shell..puffer grabs on to the shell edge, grinding and biting until it finds something to grab onto and then...slurp...
...genrally mine get smaller snails and obliterate them..but I have noticed a few more or less intact shells when cleaning..

When they slurp the snail meat out of the shell do they get it all, or is there still some left in the shell? It's hard to tell by looking... I usually just leave the shells in the tank, but if theres some leftover snail than it would probably be best to take them out.

In my case, the vacuum picks them up...so they are removed weekly

There is LOTS of meat left in the tank, and yes, I get the meat out also........

Yeah I usually take out as much as i can during WC's. I think the ghost shrimp take care of the left over meat, cause when i take the shells out they are empty, but after a feeding it looks as if theres still meat in the shell.

Your puffers don't eat ghost shrimp?

Mine don't eat ghost shrimp.

My DPs do not eat any live shrimp - Ghost, Amano, Red-nose, or Snowball.

I've seen my DP attack the amano in his tank, even though he's half the size of the amano. I've never seen such a persistant and brave little fish.

They totally ignore the shrimp, even when they steal their food.