Jack Dempsey - Won't Eat

[Ylleklynn]

I have had my Jack Dempsey (Bud) for a little over two years. He got picky about eating about 8 months ago, so I began feeding him little rosies all the time. I would give him one rosey a day. Well for the past 2 and 1/2 weeks he has not ate anything. Is he dying or sick, or is he lonely? He is the only thing in a 40 gallon aquariuam because all the other fish I put in there he killed. Does he want a female. Or should I try changing his scenery. Does anybody have any suggestions????

Thanks so much for any help or advise!

 

[JDiddy4981]

How big is he?? 40 gallon for an Oscar is waaaaaay too small!!!

 

[Ylleklynn]

He's only about 6 inches long...he has plenty of room and he's not an Oscar...He's a Jack Dempsey, by the way.

 

[JDiddy4981]

Sorry, must of been a brain fart. Anyway, even though he's not done growing, you should consider getting him in a bigger tank. Jacks require a 55gallon or higher....

Good Luck!!

 

[phOOey]

IMO 40 gallons is plenty big enought for one JD

feeding a fish exclusively on feeder fish often leads to difficulties, you may find that he wont eat anything but live fish now. But im not sure why he has suddenly stoped eating at all, what have you tried to feed him with?

 

[Ylleklynn]

I tried the feeder fish, flakes, and veggies, b/c I heard it was good to feed them veggies. I also noticed a couple of white spots on him, so I treated him for Ick yesterday and left the filter off all night. Now he is coverd, especially on his mouth, with white stuff. Man, he's gonna die, but he's holden on for something. I don't want him to die. Should I keep treating him, or turn the filter back on? Gosh, this is heartbreaking!!!

 

[Ylleklynn]

I just did an 80% water change to try to get the fungus out....hopefully this will work. I am going to get some bloodworms in a few. Everybody cross their fingers.