Why Is My Discus not Eating? (Know Step By Step All Reason)
When I first started out taking care of my discus fish, I was very excited to see them swimming around and interacting with each other. Unfortunately, as time went on, I noticed that one of my discus fish wasn’t eating like the others.
This worried me because it is essential for fish to get their nutrients from food in order to stay healthy and strong.
I began doing some research, why is my discus not eating. There can be a variety of reasons why your discus is not eating.
One possibility is that the fish is stressed out due to being introduced to a new aquarium, or because of unhealthy water parameters.
It’s also possible that the discus has a bacterial infection, or that it has been mishandled or is ill. In some cases, discus fish may stop eating due to being bullied by other discus fish.
In this blog post, we will explore some of the reasons why discus may not be eating and how you can help them get back on track. Stay tuned for more information!
How Long Can a Discus Fish Go Without Eating?
The average person probably doesn’t know that a discus fish can go without food for an extended period of time. In fact, they can last up to a month/ four weeks without eating! This amazing adaptation allows them to survive in the wild, where food is often scarce.
Interestingly, the discus fish is able to extract more energy from food than other fish. This means that they don’t need to eat as often, and can go for longer periods of time without food.
For aquarium fish keepers, this information is important to know. If you are going on vacation, or if you are unable to feed your fish for an extended period of time, you can be assured that your discus fish will be just fine.
Signs That Your Discus is Not Eating
There are several signs that can indicate that your discus is not eating. One of the most common is a decrease in activity. A Normally active discus may become more sluggish which is a sign that it hasn’t been eaten.
Another common sign is that your discus will lose weight. A sudden decrease in weight or physical appearance can be an indicator that your discus isn’t eating.
Additionally, if the color of your discus starts to fade or change, this can also be a sign that it’s not eating.
If you notice any of these signs, the best thing you can do is to take your discus to a vet to get it checked out.
5 Reasons Why Your Discus Fish Might Not Be Eating
There are a number of reasons why your discus fish might not be eaten. However, research indicates that discus fish typically do not consume food for two reasons.
- Normal behavior
- Symptoms of illness
Normal behavior
The reasons why a fish might be refusing food can vary, but there are five common ones.
1. A New Discus Was Added to the Aquarium
There can be a few reasons why your discus is not eating. Often, when a new discus is added to an aquarium, she will hide alone and not eat for several days as she adjusts to her new environment.
This is perfectly normal behavior and she will usually start eating within 2 to 5 days.
2. The Size of One Discus Compared to Another
There are a few reasons why your smaller discus may not be eating as well as the others. One reason could be that she is struggling to compete with the bigger fish for food.
Another possibility is that she may be intimidated by the other fish and is too scared to eat in their presence. A third possibility is that she may simply not be getting enough food due to her smaller size.
- Having an adequate amount of food is essential for all the fish in your tank – not just the bigger ones.
- Try using a feeding spoon or other tool to target feed the smaller discus so that she can get her fair share of food
- If possible, try separating the smaller fish from the bigger ones so that they can eat in peace
3. Water Parameters Are Not at a Healthy Level
There could be a variety of reasons why your discus is not eating if the water parameters are not at a healthy level.
One possibility is that the fish is stressed from the poor water conditions and is not feeling well. This can lead to a decrease in appetite and unwillingness to eat.
Additionally, if the water is too acidic or basic, or if it has high levels of ammonia or chlorine, this can also make the discus unhealthy and less likely to eat.
Make sure to test your water parameters regularly and take steps to correct any abnormalities in order to help your fish feel better and have an appetite again.
4. THe Water Temperature is Low
There are a few reasons why your Discus may not be eating. One reason could be that the water temperature is too low.
Discus thrives in warm water, so if the temperature is below 28c, they may become stressed and not eat. You can raise the water temperature by using a water heater, or if you have plants in the aquarium, by raising the temperature of the room.
Another possible reason for a lack of appetite could be poor water quality. Make sure to test your water parameters regularly and take corrective action if necessary.
Finally, it’s also possible that your Discus just isn’t hungry. Try feeding them smaller meals more often throughout the day instead of one large meal.
5. Low Levels of Oxygen in the Water
There can be a number of reasons why your Discus isn’t eating. One of the most common reasons is low levels of oxygen in the water.
When there is not enough oxygen in the water, your Discus will not be able to breathe properly and will not be able to eat.
Other reasons for your Discus not eating may include a lack of food in the tank, poor water conditions, or stress from being in a new environment.
If you are having trouble getting your Discus to eat, there are a few things that you can do to help.
First, make sure that you are feeding them a high-quality diet that consists of both live and frozen foods. Secondly, try adding an air pump to your aquarium to increase the levels of oxygen in the water.
Finally, if you have recently changed the tank’s water or added new plants or fish, give your Discus some time to adjust and they should start eating again soon.
Now you know five normal behavior and reasons why a discus may not be eating. Whether she is struggling to compete for food, experiencing low levels of oxygen in the water, or adjusting to a new environment, there are steps that you can take to help your fish get back on track and start eating again
More Articles Related to This Fish
- Can You Use Sand In A Discus Tank? ( Know Expert Opinion)
- Why Is My Discus Losing Color? (Know Step by Step)
Symptoms of Illness or Disease
Symptoms of illness or disease are also common reasons why a discus may not be eating.
1. White Spot Infection/ Ich
One possible reason for your discus not eating is a white spot infection or ich. This is a common disease among fish that causes them to develop small white spots on their skin.
If your discus has been infected with ich, it may become lethargic and less active, as well as refuse to eat due to the pain and discomfort that it is experiencing.
To help your discus recover from this infection, you should consult a vet or fish specialist who can recommend the best treatment options for ich. This may include antibiotics, fish-safe medications, or other therapies to help relieve the symptoms of ich.
2. Dropsy and Popeye
Another possible reason why your discus may not be eating is a condition known as dropsy or popeye. This occurs when fluid builds up in the fish’s body or eyes, causing swelling and discomfort that can lead to loss of appetite.
If you suspect that your discus has dropsy or popeye, you should consult a vet or fish specialist right away. Treatment may involve antibiotics, fluid therapy, dietary changes, or other therapies to help your discus recover and start eating again.
3. Fin and Tail Rot and Fungus
Discussions with fin and tail rot and fungus infections can be very difficult to treat. In some cases, the disease may start in secondary infections brought on by stress or injuries from tank mates.
If you notice that your discus fish is losing scales or has red spots on its fins, it could have fin and tail rot. In addition to damaged and diseased fins, a discus with this condition might have white or cloudy eyes, swollen areas of its body, or sore skin.
If you suspect your discus has fin and tail rot, it is important to carefully observe the water quality in your tank because fungus often feeds on decaying matter and dead skin.
To prevent or treat fin and tail rot, make sure to regularly check water quality and keep your tank clean by performing regular water changes.
4. Fish Tuberculosis
If you notice that your discus fish is losing weight, has sores on its body, or has swollen areas of its body, it may be infected with fish tuberculosis. This serious disease can ultimately lead to death and requires immediate attention from a veterinarian or discus specialist.
The exact causes of fish tuberculosis are not well understood, but it is thought to be caused by a combination of environmental stressors and poor nutrition.
To prevent or treat fish tuberculosis, you may need to work with a veterinarian or discus specialist to create a specialized treatment plan based on the specific needs of your discus. This might include high-protein diets and careful monitoring of water quality and conditions.
How to Get Your Discus to Start Eating Again
There are a few different ways to get your discus to start eating again. One way is to try different food. If they are not eating the pellets you are giving them, try feeding them frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, or other types of live food. A
Another way is to try changing the water temperature. If your discus is not eating because they are cold, try raising the water temperature a few degrees. You can also try adding a vitamin supplement to their food or water.
This will help give them some extra nutrients and may encourage them to start eating again.
Finally, you can try getting a new batch of fish. If your discus is not eating because they are bored or lonely, adding new fish to the tank may help stimulate their appetite.
My Final Thoughts
After doing a bunch of research and asking around, I’ve come to the conclusion that there could be a few reasons why my discus isn’t eating.
It could be because he is sick, something is wrong with the water quality, or he may just not be hungry. I’m going to keep an eye on him and see if there are any changes in his behavior.
If not, then I think I might have to take him to the vet. In the meantime, I’ll try feeding him different types of food and making sure to keep a close eye on his water quality. Hopefully, that will help get his appetite back up!
Why is My Discus Not Eating-faqs
What Does Discus Eat in the Wild and in Captivity?
In the wild, Discus eat mostly insects and other small invertebrates. In captivity, they are typically fed a diet of pellets that is supplemented with frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, and other live or freeze-dried food.
The diet of Discus in captivity is designed to provide them with a balanced mix of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals.
The pellets also have a high water content so that the fish can easily digest them. While frozen bloodworms and brine shrimp are not essential to the diet of Discus, they are considered to be good sources of protein and other nutrients.
How Can I Tell if My Discus is Sick?
If you notice any changes in your discus’ behavior, such as staying at the bottom of the tank or swimming abnormally, then it’s possible that your fish is sick.
Other signs that your discus may be ill include White patches on the body, red streaks on the fins, reddening around the gills, loss of appetite, and a bloated abdomen.
How Can I Tell if My Discus is Stressed?
There are a few ways to tell if your discus is stressed. One is changes in behavior, such as staying at the bottom of the tank or swimming quickly in circles.
Another change in appearance, such as losing color or developing white patches. And finally, there are physical signs such as lesions or wounds on the body.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s best to take action right away to reduce the stress levels of your discus.
This might mean adding more plants or decorations to the tank to create hiding places, reducing the water temperature, or adding a filter designed for Discus tanks.
What Should I Do if My Discus Stops Eating?
If your discus stops eating, there are a few things you can do to help get them back on track:
- Make sure the water is clean and the temperature is correct. Discus needs warm water and a clean environment to thrive.
- Feed them smaller meals more often. Discus typically eat best when they’re fed smaller amounts of food multiple times throughout the day.
- Try a different type of food. If your discus isn’t eating, it might be because they’re not used to the food you’re feeding them. Try switching to a different type of food to see if that helps get them interested in eating again.
With some patience and effort, it’s possible to help get your discus eating again!