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I've had my 20'' mbu in a 600 gallon tank for about 8 months. I feed him 3x a week and his food of choice is shrimp with shells. He always has a large appetite and will eat 3-4 shrimp per feeding without exception. The past 2 feedings he has shown no interest to eat which is highly unlike him. His color is good and behavior is relatively normal. He is a little less excitible than normal, but I wouldn't classify him as lethargic. This guy is by far the best fish I've owned and I would appreciate any advice or comments. Jamie

Do you add vitamins and good fats to his diet? (i.e. highly unsaturated fatty acids) Fish need the same kinds of fats that people need. (Like the ones we get in avacodos, nuts, salmon...) If they dont, they often get a type of 'lock jaw' that is caused by deficiencies. It is seen alot in big saltwater fish (lions, groupers, puffers, eels) that get the same foods fed over and over again that do not contain proper nutrients. Maybe try to entice him to eat something live like somecrayfish that are gut loaded with some good frozen food and good fat. Kent makes a good shark liver oil fat that is called Zoecon. and of course make sure your water chemistry is up to par.

What are your water quality parameters? My mbu went through a week and a half period of not eating. I ended up tracing the problem to water quality. I was showing trace amounts of nitrites due to some clogged canister filters. After rinsing out the filter pads, without disturbing the other biological media, and replacing them, the mbu was back to its old ways.

What are your water quality parameters?  My mbu went through a week and a half period of not eating.  I ended up tracing the problem to water quality.  I was showing trace amounts of nitrites due to some clogged canister filters.  After rinsing out the filter pads, without disturbing the other biological media, and replacing them, the mbu was back to its old ways.

That's what Phil mentioned previously about another member's Mbu. Probably a spike in poor water quality?

As a side note, how is Mbu pronounced: em-bu or ma-bu?

As a side note, how is Mbu pronounced: em-bu or ma-bu?

I pronounce it em-bu.

Water quality is good although I am due for a water change. I tried to feed him again today and he had very little interest in eating although he was very excited during the feeding, swmming thoughout the tank. I might try something live like a crayfish which might stimulate his interest. Still I am concerned because his tank quality and fishkmates are status guo, but his eating habits have suddenly changed. No signs of intestinal parasites (stingy substances from butt). It is a 600 gallon tank with a group of healthy tankmates with normal appetites, therefore, I dont want to randomly medicate the tank without knowing the problem. I appriciate the incite and I will keep you updated. Anymore advice please let me know. Thanks again, Jamie

jamie,is that the mbu you got from me last year?....i would do a water change and also try puttting red claw crabs in there or even crawfish that should get him very excited.remember that you have to feed him crabs of some sort now ant then so he can grind his teeth.can you post a picture of him?.....i really miss that guy.when mbu comes in season this year i might have to get 1 for myself.
thanks
anthony
ANTHONY'S TROPICAL FISH

I don't know if it's Swahili... it's probably Kikongo or Lingala. Anyway, I think Swahili is a good approximation.

http://research.yale.edu/cgi-bin/swahili/m...onunciation.php

go down to the "m" section and click on "mtu"

So, mbu would be pronounced: "mm-BOO."

Hi Anthony,
Yes, this is the puffer that you sold me. He is the best fish I have owned in all the years I have been involved in this hobby. VERY smart and inquisitive. I'll try a water change and add a couple of crayfish and see if that does the trick. I'll let you know.

thanks
Jamie

How serious is the lock jaw situation and what can be done to reverse it if that is the case?

I don't know if it's Swahili... it's probably Kikongo or Lingala.  Anyway, I think Swahili is a good approximation.

http://research.yale.edu/cgi-bin/swahili/m...onunciation.php

go down to the "m" section and click on "mtu"

So, mbu would be pronounced: "mm-BOO."

wait, would this apply to mbuna too? is it "mm"buna? or something else completely?

(oh and sorry to derail )

Lockjaw seems to be caused by feeding puffers only 1 kind of food. They need a variety foods to get the propper nutricion. It has been treated with iodine treatments. You can find it in the SW section of your LFS. Sometimes force-feeding is necessary to prevent the fish from starving to death.

how do you treat with iodine?

js

There are iodine additives typically made for for SW that you can use.

Feeding your fish live crays, shrimp, and crabs will probably supply all of the iodine needed by the fish. These crustaceans need iodine to successfully molt. I (and other crayfish farmers) add 1-2ppm of iodine to my crayfish vats for this purpose. So, the fish I feed some of the crays to get their doses as well.

good luck! they are great pets!

The right side of his mouth and jaw really swelled up so I brought him to Tufts Vet Hospital which has a department for exotics including fish. The doctor sedated him and examined his mouth. He said his teeth are in great shape but there appears to be a localized infection on the right side with the source or cause unknown. He doesn't think it is lockjaw because his mouth had full range of motion. He gave him an antibiotic injection and gave me 7 more injections to administer every other day over the next couple of weeks. The Doctor wants me to force feed him every other day as well. Any opinions?

Thanks,
Jamie

holy mac.... let us know how this all goes... do you have to pull him out to give him a shot.. sometimes my mbu doesn't eat either, so i'm very interested in following this whole situation and outcome, good luck

Good luck man.. Yeah just force feed that sucker so that it get its nourishment

UPDATE: Today he was due for his shot and his force feeding. I took him out of the tank and injected him in the meaty part of his tail per instructions. At that point he completely puffed up about the size of a basketball. I was a little freaked out so i put him back in the tank but he floated on his back. I turned him right side up and pushed him a little bit into the water and at that point he expelled the air. I waited a little bit and then brought him back out for the feeding with success. The positive signs are that he struggled today with much more vigor and energy then in the past feedings which tells me he is getting his strength back. I am feeling a little bit encouraged but you never know with these things. I'll keep you guys updated.

Jamie