fEed yOuR fiSh

Feed your fish the right fish food for the optimal health?

Feeding your fish with the right types of fish food will help them flourish in their captive environment. Preferably, the food should be identical to those found in the fishes’ natural habitat. As the fish feed on a variety of foods in their native habitat, this is what you should try to provide.

Different types of fish food, prepared in various forms, are commercially available. They are mostly packed with minerals and nutrients that are necessary to your fishes’ health, appearance, and longevity.

Each species of fish has unique food and feeding requirements. For instance, goldfish have different dietary requirements from tropical fish. Even different species of goldfish like different types of foods. And like humans, fish can be categorized into carnivores and herbivores as well.

If you have a community aquarium, it’s best to make up a meal containing small amounts of different foods for each species.
Four Basic Types Of Fish Food

Flakes Fish Food: These are the most commercially available fish food. Fish flakes are manufactured in various compositions to suit the requirements of different fish. They can help to enhance the color of the fish, promote breeding or provide special nutrients to juvenile or ailing fish, and are the best form of food for small fish and picky eaters.

Fish flakes float for a while before becoming soft and saturated, and sinking slowly downwards to the bottom. Thus, they are suitable for surface, mid-water and bottom feeders.

Pellets and Tablets Fish Food: Pellets remain afloat longer than flakes and are suitable for surface feeders. Tablets can be stuck on t he aquarium wall at any desired level, making it possible to cater to the special needs of various species in the aquarium.

Live or Fresh Fish Food: Live fish food is a treat for your fish. Some species of fish appreciate chasing live food like worms, insect larvae, water fleas, and brine shrimp. These foods harvested a good source of nutrition.

However, adding these tasty delights to your aquarium poses the risk of introducing disease-carrying bacteria as well. It’s crucial to remove dead specimens and rinse live and fresh foods under clean running water to remove dirt. Always scoop out the uneaten portions as they will eventually die and pollute the water.

* Brine shrimp lives in salt water and cannot survive in fresh water. Thus, they have to be eaten fast, or they will die and contaminate the water.
* Worm category includes bloodworms, tubifex, earthworms, and several others. Worms, especially the tubifex, can carry diseases. Earthworms are great for bigger-sized fish.

Frozen and Freeze-dried Fish Food: Most live fish food is available in frozen or freeze-dried forms. These types of food are more convenient and safer to use than live food – they provide the same nutrients as live specimens and are disease-free.

Fish do not enjoy eating freeze-dried foods as much as live, frozen natural foods. Give them time to get used to them.