Reptile & Amphibian Forums

ifeed my 5 inch matas 4 large shiners every other day. Is that enough?

Unfortunately, matas that get only fish tend to develop neuorlogical defects from vitamin B6 and B12 deficiencies caused by an enzyme in all fish that breaks down B vitamins. In nature, they must eat other items, I'm sure, but I don't know what. I've seen this condition a number of times. You can either stick a piece of Reptomin or Wardley's in the fish's mouth just before putting it in the tank, but the best solution is very difficult and exasperating: by teasing and moving around a stick of commercial food, try to get the Matas to strike at it, and they can be acclimated to prepared foods, but it is very difficult.

thamk you, i will get them onreptomin also

The enzyme in question is thiaminase. Some will tell you that Cyprinids (goldfish, carp, minnows) have a higher level but it is not clinically significant and not worth while buying more expensive live fish. However, frozen fish tend to have higher levels than live fish.