Breakthrough! I used baby food sweet potatoes in a syringe for the training reward. Both fish love it and are very motivated to get it. 

Fed about 2 inches of gel food recipe (w/ peas). They didn’t want to eat the 1/4” chunks.

Welcome, fishies! Brought home 1 calico Ryukin and 1 plain fantail. Perfect shape for Ugly Guppy characters, and both swim well.)