new 2" ranchus

[orandablue]

I got my first ranchus! Yippie! And two wakins. Is it o.k. to feed Omega One (protein) and bloodworms? And do Ranchus need more roughage? They are small and no head growth yet. When can I expect head growth??

[suphi]

Post some pics and we'll see. You should start seeing head growth around this time. I dunno much about Omega One, but in general if you want head growth you feed lots of lots of blood worms.

[orandablue]

http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu227/fishhead_gab/blackranchu1.jpgThis is the only pic that would upload. Will try later. One was acting shy in the baby tank.hiding behind a filter!? So I pulled them and put them in their own 5 gallon with a filter for a 50gallon. And now she is fine!? They eat like crazy! Keep feeding bloodworms soaked in parasite meds. (they are from a fish store)

[George Ludrosky]

I use alot of the Omega one goldfish food, my fish seem to really like it. The company write up states:
"Omega One Goldfish Flakes are formulated with higher levels of quality proteins and fats than other goldfish foods. Recent studies have shown that, particularly for goldfish such as lionheads, higher levels of quality proteins with good amino acid and omega fatty acid profiles are very beneficial for growth and long-term health. In addition, our revolutionary protein-binding system means that vitamins will not leach out into the aquarium"

I do suppliment with live food and Hikari and Innurco.

[orandablue]

I just fed them red sockeye salmon from a can. 15g protein, 6% fat, 10% sodium though. Why cant I just feed them raw salmon!? Canned salmon has 1135 mg of Omega 3 fatty acids! Maybe people put raw salmon in their home made fish food already.

[suphi]

Fish look a bit underdeveloped, large tail with small body. Probably underfed at the store. You should start power feeding once they are comfortable in the new home.

By power feeding, I mean feed 4-5 times a day in an amount small enough that they will finish in a few min. Aim to get the belly to bulge out to the side more. Frequent water change is required (at least 50% twice a week).

I have no idea if/when they'll develop head growth. For typical ranchu at this size, you should start to see head growth already.

[orandablue]

You are GOOD! I believe they are exactly as you see them! And I have heard that the Aquarium store never feeds their fish. (Aquarium Adventure) These guys are starving!! I was worried they had worms. So you would go heavy on the worms? or "even steven" with worms and omega pellet and flake? Their little bellies are already lookin bigger. Their heads are pretty bare though. Hopefully they will get SOME definition. Thanks for reply. and thanks george for the Innurco tip. Found a wholesale supplier in OHIO!

[suphi]

Go heavy on the worms if you want head growth. They can eat a ton of it without much issues compared to pellets, it'll cost $$$ though.

[orandablue]

And now the ranchus are breeding! yet still no wens.