clown doesnt want to eat

[milesj60]

I bought an ocellaris clownfish a few days ago and he really doesnt seem to eat much. What could be wrong and what new kind of food should I try.
Thanks

[sir_dudeguy]

since he's new to the tank, i wouldnt worry yet really. New fish take time to get used to things and especially if you're feeding something different than whatever they were getting at the LFS.

If he still doesnt seem to want to eat much in a couple days, maybe try feeding him something w/garlic in it. Its supposed to get them to eat it (the smell i guess)

[IslandCrow]

The clown could just be stressed from the move. Did you see him eat at the pet store where you bought him (assuming you got him at a pet store)? If so, try feeding him whatever the pet store owner was feeding him. If you bought him online, give them a call and see what they feed their clownfish. With picky eaters (I've had a couple really picky ones), here's what I've had the most luck with in rank order:

1. Live brine shrimp (not very nutritious, but may get them eating)
2. Frozen mysis soaked in Garlic Extreme (or some sort of garlic extract)
3. Any other frozen crustacean type foods or frozen Formula 1
4. Cyclopeeze (depending on the size of the fish, you may need to get a clump of the stuff so it's big enough for the fish to see)
5. Formula 1 flakes (seldom works for picky eaters)

While you're trying to get him to eat, keep a close eye out for any signs of disease, since a stressed, underfed fish is going to be very susceptible.

[milesj60]

Thanks so much the garlic idea worked really good and now he's eating well.

[BurntOutReefer]

cool

[IslandCrow]

Great to hear. That's what finally got my fangtooth blenny to eat frozen foods. Now that you've gotten your clownfish to eat, I'm betting he'll eat just about anything before very long. They tend to be very indiscriminate (and voracious) eaters.