Awhile back, I was introduced to the cncept that large predatory fish have a hard time adjusting to processed foods (such as pellets). For the most part they remain loyal to live foods or frozen remains of once live foods.
I was shown a thread that had three Pterois volitans eating NLS Fish Formula Pellets. At first I was a little skeptical of this, but then decided if it was true then I should be able to duplicate the results myself. I already had the volitan, he was already eating frozen mysis, krill and silversides. I figured might as well give it a go. I ordered up some NLS ExLg. Fish Formula, a 7.5mm floating pellet, and proceeded to feed it to my volitan.
Attachment 296
At first the fish didn't even look at the pellets. I figured as much, so with determination I decided it was time to starve the volitan again (last time I did this was to ween it off live feeders to frozen). After the first 5 days of minimal food, the fish finally struck at the pelets. To make the transition a little easier, I am using the same feeding stick that he is use to. After tasting the pellet he promptly spat it back out.
After about three weeks of this starve and feed method, I finally got him to eat and digest the pellets.
Attachment 297
Attachment 298