Eureka Moment!!

[Redtailrob]

Over a year ago whilst shopping for something else I spotted a small Brachyplatstoma Rousseauxxi and was captivated by its beauty & against my better judgement decided to purchase
Have struggled to really get this Fish feeding to an extent I'm happy with.
Have tried all my usual successful food stuffs, prawns, squid, Earthworms, Bloodworm, Mascivore etc
Have also fed white fish fillets before but last night tried something different by slicing them into long skinny sections...EUREKA!!! The fish took 3 pieces and is nice & fat this morning.
Happy Days

[Richard B]

Hi Rob

Good news

Have you access to any data on what small specimens eat in the wild? Presentation of foodstuff seems like it is an important factor here.

[Viktor Jarikov]

So, the new knowledge here is that the previous white fish fillets were

-- either too big/awkward for the fish (form factor)
-- or not "aromatic"/appetizing enough
-- or both?

I saw one live specimen (~5" $150) only once in my life at an LFS. Indeed, hardly resistible but I was broke by that time, so didn't get it. Glad to see someone blazing the trail. What's your plan when it gets to be 1.5-2 meters?

[Bas Pels]

I think the sliced filets look more like fish - long and slender

The problem feedins fish filet is that they only contain meat, that is, no gut, not fat among the intestines, no bones and no un processed food

That is, they are very high in protein, but low in minerals and vitamins. Personally I would prefer feeding whole fish (one can get frozen fish in petstores) over fish filets

After all, if your eat fish, you eat some side dishes: fries, a salad, things like that. These dishes complete each other, just as your Brachyplatstoma needs

[Redtailrob]

Hi Guys.
Thanks for you input.

Long term plans for this fish Viktor will be a large heated Pond/Pool.
To be honest this is the most Tricky Pim I've ever kept.
Very flighty & a fussy eater
Its only grown from 3" to 7" in approx a year which is an indication of how Im struggling to get things right for this splendid fish.
Its causing me no end of frustration.
I'm trying to keep it with very calm Tankmates so that it acts accordingly.
However whenever one of the other Pims i.e. Lima Shovelnose approach it fly's off @ speed.
Will consider moving this fish to another one of my setups to give it even more piece & quiet.
With regards to feeding I will also try & impelment some small whole fish into its diet as recommended.

[Richard B]

Have you tried live feeder shrimps at all?

Some LFS stock these. Like Bas says, with shell on it contains a 'fuller' dietary package & the movement may entice the fish to feed more regularly.

My SA leaf fish took these readily & they were one of the toughest fish i've had to try to feed as they only thing they'd accept other were live small fish which is not what i wanted really.

[Viktor Jarikov]

Ouch! Your "Eureka!" emotional excitement is much, much more understandable now!

RTR: Long term plans for this fish Viktor will be a large heated Pond/Pool.
VJ: Planned or existing?

RTR: To be honest this is the most Tricky Pim I've ever kept. Very flighty & a fussy eater Its only grown from 3" to 7" in approx a year which is an indication of how Im struggling to get things right for this splendid fish. Its causing me no end of frustration.
VJ: Shocking troubles. Sad but good to know in terms of my education. Try to take it easy, Rob. It's just a fish and we are all sure you are trying your best and know what you are doing.

RTR: I'm trying to keep it with very calm Tankmates so that it acts accordingly. However whenever one of the other Pims i.e. Lima Shovelnose approach it fly's off @ speed. Will consider moving this fish to another one of my setups to give it even more piece & quiet. With regards to feeding I will also try & implement some small whole fish into its diet as recommended.
VJ: I think in such a tough situation, the best/ideal decision is to have it alone in a tank if at all possible. It will address both the tank mate and feeding issues.

Post some pics please of the fish and its tank, if you will.

[Redtailrob]

Sorry to report that this fish passed away last week
Went away for 3 days & on my return it was in a bad way.
Removed all other fish from the aquaria to give it as much peace as possible, to no avail.

[Viktor Jarikov]

Terrible. What's the cause do you think (or know)?

[Redtailrob]

They demise of this splendid fish is through nothing less than my own stupidity!!!
Moved this fish to one of my 5 foot aquaria containing a few small 4-5 " Clown knifefish & a couple of juvenile Dovii (Parachromis).
Everything seemed fine but one of the P.Dovii (3"male)was paying it a little attention but nothing extreme or anything to have me too concerned more than a " I'll have to keep my eye on that" scenario.
The aggression must have escalated whilst I was away for 3 days as the fish was badly beat up on my return, Im SO FREAKING STUPID!!!!
Seperated the fish off to be completely alone but it sucumbed to the stress & its injuries.

[Redtailrob]

Here's a picture (bad quality)of the fish before the move