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Raphael's are very fat?

Posted: 03 Jul 2024, 02:07
by Mercfh
So I have a Striped Raphael AND a Spotted Raphael in a 55g. Thing is....I generally don't feed anything at night but both of them (especially the Spotted) are REALLY fat.

What exactly do these guys eat? I've actually avoided doing nighttime feeding because they are so fat. Im literally not sure what they are even eating right now?

Im curious for those that do feed live foods, how often do you feed them? IE: bloodworms/etc..., right now I have about 4-5 sinking pellets for catfish I rotate between.

Re: Raphael's are very fat?

Posted: 03 Jul 2024, 04:14
by bekateen
Hi Mercfh,

I have small doradids (), not the bigger raphaels that you keep. But I also keep , which is similar in eating habits.

I feed live the big fish red worms (bought as fishing bait) and meaty pellets. The fish eat voraciously, but not when I'm awake.

They are very good at distending their stomachs when eating, but they certainly don't need to eat daily. I feed them every 3-4 days.

Cheers, Eric

Re: Raphael's are very fat?

Posted: 03 Jul 2024, 07:30
by Bas Pels
My Platydoras did come out when I fed the other fishes, always during the day. They ate anything I fed.

I always thought a happy, healthy Platydoras is fat.

I've kept them for 27 years or so, but one day an illness killed both of them, together with two Pterogoblichthys gibbiceps of 23 years old

Re: Raphael's are very fat?

Posted: 07 Jul 2024, 03:40
by Mercfh
I mean I guess if they are fat they are eating at least? I feed a variety of food (probably overfeed tbh) so they must be finding leftovers.