Loaches Online Forum

I have two 5 inch clowns and three smaller ones. The small ones are out all the time, and when feeding freeze-dried tubifex they are right there along with the kubotai and striatas feeding on fingers or anything else that gets in the way. My original clown (the one in the avatar) eats as long as nobody is wandering around in front of the tank. My newest addition is a worry, however. The only time I see it feeding somewhat properly is when I have a piece of zucchini in the tank. It doesn't come out at feeding time regardless of what I feed them. It doesn't appear to be starving yet, but I feel that it is too skinny compared to the others. One issue is that the other "large" clown pushes this one away from food. It positions itself so that its nose is on the cheek of the new one, and then pushes it away - not violently, but with purpose. It doesn't chase it. Anyway, what I need is an idea for a good food item that requires a bit of work to get stuff off of, but contains a lot of protein. Any help would be appreciated.

I sometimes feed market shrimp in biggish pieces held in a veggie clip. you could also use a fork etc., one at each tank end.

That may work - thanks.