Swordtail Feeding

[mmckinniss]

I just started a 55 gal freshwater and have had a half dozen fish in for a week (2 Mollies, 2 Platies, 2 Swordtails). I've been feeding them TetraColor flakes 2x daily, just a few flakes at a time. I've noticed the Platies are active feeders, the Mollies hyperactive feeders, but I cannot tell that my Swordtails are feeding at all.

How do swordtails typically feed? How can I tell that they are eating? Should I be worried?

 

[Laurie]

My swordtails are just as active as my platies at feeding time. Had the tank had time to cycle well?

 

[mmckinniss]

My swordtails are just as active as my platies at feeding time. Had the tank had time to cycle well?

I had used API QuickStart on rec from LFS. (I'm new to this.) Added all fish a couple days later.

 

[Laurie]

That might be the problem. You should cycle your tank before adding fish. I'm sure someone here can give a better explanation but it has to go through several cycles before it's safe for fish. I've killed many a fish in the past before I realized this.

 

[insecurity]

Defintely cycle your tank first, but swordtails are typically very hardy. Are yours actively swimming? From what I understand about swordies is that they are very social and very active fish, so a swordtail that isn't social and/or active could be a sign of stress and/or disease.

 

[mmckinniss]

Defintely cycle your tank first, but swordtails are typically very hardy. Are yours actively swimming? From what I understand about swordies is that they are very social and very active fish, so a swordtail that isn't social and/or active could be a sign of stress and/or disease.

Since posting, my swordtails have become more active. I notice them pecking at various surfaces - suction cups, caulk. I just saw yesterday they've started feeding off the surface too, though they're not taking large bites. I suspect they're beginning to acclimate.