fish not eating

Question
Hi...I'd just bought a flowerhorn cichlid about 10 days ago...It's about 4". My tank chemistry seems fine ..nitrate 0, PH is about 7.6 and I've raised the temp to about 86 degrees.  However, it's not eating so far...I'd tried to feed him pellets which I'd purchased at the same time and he seems scared of it...I'd also fed him frozen bloodworms...which he'd only snatched a few and stopped. The problem I'd find is that he is very nervous/skittish all the time...It's body shows alot of "stress marks"??. By the way, I'd treated him with some parasite tablets which is supposed to cure the white poop...and it's now showing improvements...the only concern I have now is that he refusing to eat anything....Please tell me this is normal and just give him some time to adjust...Thanks for your help!!

Regards,
Peter

Answer
Hi Peter,
 Hmm... white poop means that your fish has intestinal parasites.  This is very serious.  The best way that I have heard to clear out such parasites is to feed your fish with thawed frozen peas. Of course, that is very difficult if your fish won't eat anything.  Hopefully, he will eat something as he gets hungrier and hungrier.  Be very careful not to let any uneaten food remain in the tank -- that will cause big problems.

-- Ron
  rcoleman@cichlidresearch.com
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