Small lone angel.

[jokerls240]

Of the 6 angels I got from Critter a week or so ago, 1 is a black angel from a different batch and is about half the size of the others. Most of the time I can't find it in the tank because it easily blends between the plants and black background. Every now and then, I'll see it swimming with the others, but it won't feed with the others. Usually it is mostly eating scraps or either plant leaves or the algae on the plants.

Only once have I seen one of the larger ones push it off while it was trying to hang out with the "big kids". I feel bad for the little guy. One thing I'm worried about is if it will impact its overall health not being a member of the group.

Obviously, its feeding habits need to change. I only hope it will get hungry enough to be aggressive and get up in the middle of the others while they're eating. The larger ones aren't aggressive to each other or the tetras.

I've even seen the larger angels follow with the tetras, almost as part of the school, as they swim back and forth across the tank. To put the angels' size in perspective, the diamond tetras are pretty much full-grown and the largest angel is not much longer than the tetras. The small black angel's body is a little over the diameter of a nickel.

[bunnie1978]

Not eating could be a sign of disease. Try some live food, like brine shrimp. That size, it might take baby brine shrimp, which is easy to hatch out. I'll start a thread about doing it the shortcut way. Make sure it doesn't have to fight for it. If you see it eat one or two pieces it might be ok. It's also possible that it is from the same batch, and is a runt. In all cases, not eating normally should be cause for concern. Sometimes that's the only sign you get before it will die.

Let us know how it goes!!!

[jokerls240]

Thanks, angel! I'll start a thread on hatching brine shrimp.

When I bought them, the small one was in a separate tank with others the same size. Which is why I think it's from another group of fry.

Once the brine have hatched, how could I feed the little one directly? Or should I just feed all of the fish and hope he comes out?

[angel]

Good deal--but that was Bunnie

[jokerls240]

Yeah, didn't noticed I misread her post until after someone pointed me to hers. Sorry.

[jokerls240]

Wow. I'm just not all here today. Thanks Bunnie for the tips.

I sat for 5-10 minutes watch the fish eat and noticed it seems that little Johnny Black seemed to be watching the flakes on the surface for movement. Guess I need to run to Critter for live brine and eggs before 8:00.

[bunnie1978]

I hope for your sake they aren't out!! They get them in Tuesdays I think, and I always go when they're out.

[jokerls240]

I didn't make it out there, so I'll stop by on my way home today.