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How Often Do Bullheads Eat?

Started by Guest_designer_* , Aug 15 2007 09:56 AM

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4 replies to this topic

#1 Guest_designer_*

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Posted 15 August 2007 - 09:56 AM

I recently kept a 5 inch yellow bullhead that I caught in my minnow trap. He has been in a 20-gallon long fish tank for a few days with access to food (chicken liver & chicken). He has not eaten anything as of yet. My question is, how often do bullheads eat and after how many days without eating should I start to be concerned. Any feedback is greatly appreciated.

#2 Guest_bullhead_*

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Posted 15 August 2007 - 11:27 AM

Bullheads usually eat anything and everything, as often as you will feed them. Give yours a couple of more days to acclimatize. Don't leave uneaten food in the tank for too long. Try a little more variety: shrimp, fish pellets, etc. Bullheads like to have somewhere to hide: flowerpot, rock shelter, driftwood, real plants, fake plants, etc.

Your water parameters (ammonia, nitrates, etc.) are OK? A water change may help even if the tank water seems good.

#3 Guest_designer_*

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Posted 15 August 2007 - 11:46 AM

Thanks bullhead. I'll give him a few more days along with a water change and more food options including shrimp and some small live creek chubs.

I have a water filter that allows you to adjust the water filtration rate. Should I have it cranked up on high? I have heard that too much oxygen introduced into lakes too fast can result in fish kills. I'm not sure if this applies to tanks though.

#4 Guest_sandtiger_*

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Posted 15 August 2007 - 02:00 PM

Though it makes great bait I would stop using it as a food option for your fish. Not only is it very bad for water quality but it also isen't very good for the fish itself. I suggest offering the bullhead some worms, small crayfish, frozen bloodworms, shrimp pellets etc. Also check your water quality (ammonia, nitrite, nitrate). I have never known a bullhead to sulk long, his behavior may be a clue to some other problem with the tank itself.

#5 Guest_Irate Mormon_*

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Posted 16 August 2007 - 10:47 PM

Bullheads will snarf up any sinking pellets. Ditto what sandtiger said - if he's not eating then something is terribly wrong. But don't expect him to come out during the day until you've had him for a while.