Getting Butterflies to Eat

[howdy20012002]

I was sent some very large Butterflies - Raccoon, Arugia, and Teardrop and a couple of brown Henis that I am having a heck of a time getting to eat.
BTW, I did not want or expect such large fish as I believe that full size fish do well in captivity.
I have tried PE mysis, brine shrimp, flakes and algae wrap.
any suggestions??
thanks in advance
Neal

[fishoholic]

At AI we've tried Rapashy fish food for picky eaters and most will eat it, AI sells it. It's advertised for freshwater fish but our saltwater fish love it too. I've heard of people getting morish idols started on eating with it.

http://http://www.store.repashy.com/repashy-superfoods/retail/by-product-type-en/fish-food-gels/ (http://www.store.repashy.com/repashy-superfoods/retail/by-product-type-en/fish-food-gels/)

Also Red coral sells ocean fresh plankton that picky eaters sometimes go for.

[howdy20012002]

cool
i will try some for sure
they are big beautiful fish that I really don't want to die unnecessarily

[Borderjumper]

How about something that wiggles? I used live black worms to get fish started before.

[howdy20012002]

Anyone know where I can get live worms?

[sphelps]

Live clams in the shell from the fish market.

[Willito]

Many butterflies, if not all, arrive carrying gill flukes and internal parasites causing tremendous irritation and stress to the fish, preventing them from swallowing. You may see them try to eat but often spit. IME treating all butterflies with something like Prazipro for one or two treatment will vastly induce feeding behavior. This drug does wonders, but be careful in monitoring the fish's condition.

[howdy20012002]

I had thought about clams
Do u break them open
Or more to the point how do u feed them to the fish

[Delphinus]

+1
Many butterflies, if not all, arrive carrying gill flukes and internal parasites causing tremendous irritation and stress to the fish, preventing them from swallowing. You may see them try to eat but often spit. IME treating all butterflies with something like Prazipro for one or two treatment will vastly induce feeding behavior. This drug does wonders, but be careful in monitoring the fish's condition.

[howdy20012002]

I haven't had troubles with other smaller butterflies
These ones arent even looking at the food

Edit of first post
I meant I would not normally have brought such large ones in as I do not believe they do well in captivity

[sphelps]

I had thought about clams
Do u break them open
Or more to the point how do u feed them to the fish

Just break them open and drop them in the tank. Always worked for me.

[howdy20012002]

I will try the clams tomorrow
Thanks for the input

[ScubaSteve]

This was the trick (http://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/content.php?sid=2597) that I used to get my butterfly eating and quickly onto prepared food. It was pretty easy to do.

[howdy20012002]

Sorry
Not sure if I can find the link u meant

[ScubaSteve]

Try this: http://glassbox-design.com/2011/tips-for-feeding-fish/

[bulletsworld]

+1

+1

Many butterflies, if not all, arrive carrying gill flukes and internal parasites causing tremendous irritation and stress to the fish, preventing them from swallowing. You may see them try to eat but often spit. IME treating all butterflies with something like Prazipro for one or two treatment will vastly induce feeding behavior. This drug does wonders, but be careful in monitoring the fish's condition.