Feeding Anenome warning

[oldmanandthesea2000]

Guys,

I have been feeding my anenome fresh shrimp chunks for the longest time. The other day my overly aggressive tang stole a big chunk of shrimp from the anenome as it was trying to eat it. This was a fresh chunk of shrimp so 5 or 6 fish were nibbling at it but my vlamingi the pig that he/she was gobbled up one that was about a quarter inch in size. I notice that afterwards it was having trouble breathing and would breathe real heavy and fast and moving around erratically like it was trying to get away from something. Today I noticed it floating on the top of the tank. I am fairly certain the shrimp must have choked it. I know lots of you feed your anenome and fish with live food but be careful if they swallow a whole big piece it could cause death.

 

[bbehring]

oldman, Good point! I've read/heard that also. I feed mine smaller chunks of silversides to try and avoid this. I usually try to babysit it until it's pulled the chunk-o-food all the way in and closed up. I feed mine 1x per week. I have a pesky cleaner shrimp that tries to steel the anenome's food every time! I have to hold him at bay with my tongs! He's a tricky little sucker. I feed a bit heavier on this day to try and avoid the steeling issues. Doesn't always work though LOL.

 

[newnanoboy]

my cleaner shrimp takes food from my anemone too... i always keep him from stealing with my tong too