CBB Eating - Normal?

[nyknicks2544]

Just got a Copper Banded Butterfly yesterday. Initially he did not eat LRS Fish Frenzy. Other new additions of Velvet Wrasse and Foxface did.

Tried a clam today attached to rock. While he didn't immediately jump on it once he realized what it was he began picking at it. Has been at it now for about 30-45 minutes. Just hovering over it and then picking every once in a while.

What I can't figure out is if he is actually eating anything. He'll sometimes get a large piece and it'll just fall out of his mouth and float away. Sometimes he will also spit out small particles after picking at it.

How can you tell if they are actually ingesting anything? Or is this normal?

Thanks! Happy Thanksgiving.

 

[Instigate]

Here is a video of mine eating LRS off a grazing pad I made:

You could try live backworms if you can find them. Another thing I've noticed is that if you freeze the clam and slice paper thin strips the CBB can suck them down easily. Mine always made a huge mess eating but you can tell he's taking in more than he's spitting out.

 

[Bayareareefer18]

I just got one a week ago. He definitely is more of a grazer. Mine constantly is on the move picking at rock crevices and under rocks.

 

[cracker]

Good job ! Even if it
s not actually eating the clam with gusto. you still made
big steps .

 

[nyknicks2544]

Here is a video of mine eating LRS off a grazing pad I made:

You could try live backworms if you can find them. Another thing I've noticed is that if you freeze the clam and slice paper thin strips the CBB can suck them down easily. Mine always made a huge mess eating but you can tell he's taking in more than he's spitting out.

Thanks! I am seeing a similar spitting behavior so perhaps that is normal.

I am wondering if the clam might be a bit tough for him. Going to cut it up next time so there are more strips to rip at for him like you suggested.

 

[nyknicks2544]

Fish has picked at the clam for 3 hours...other fish are quite happy when he succeeds at getting some of it out and it floats through the tank.

For those who feed clams like this do you leave them in overnight? Don’t want to discourage eating.

Understand it could raise nitrates quick leaving that much food in a tank. For reference have a 425xl (over 100 gallons of water) with a Nyos skimming.