Feeder Fish

Feeder fish are commonly used as food for tropical fish, especially for carnivorous species, but they should be provided carefully to ensure the health of both the feeder fish and the tropical fish. Here’s an overview of types of feeder fish commonly used, their pros and cons, and considerations when feeding tropical fish:

Common Types of Feeder Fish:

  1. Goldfish (Carassius auratus)

    • Pros: Readily available, inexpensive.
    • Cons: Goldfish can carry parasites and diseases, particularly if they are not raised in a clean, controlled environment. They are also higher in fat, which isn't ideal for many tropical fish.

  2. Rosy Reds (a type of minnow, commonly sold as feeder fish)

    • Pros: Smaller than goldfish and may be better for smaller carnivores, less fatty than goldfish.
    • Cons: May carry disease or parasites, like goldfish.

  3. White Cloud Mountain Minnows (Tanichthys albonubes)

    • Pros: Relatively small, active, and suitable for smaller carnivorous fish.
    • Cons: Can still carry diseases and parasites, though less so than goldfish.

  4. Guppies (Poecilia reticulata)

    • Pros: Affordable, small, and easy to breed.
    • Cons: If given too often, it may cause an overpopulation in your tank. Guppies can be low in nutritional value.

  5. Feeder Shrimp (e.g., ghost shrimp, brine shrimp)

    • Pros: Smaller size is suitable for smaller tropical fish; high in protein.
    • Cons: May not be suitable for larger carnivores, and can be hard to find in some areas.

  6. Live Black Worms or Bloodworms

    • Pros: Nutrient-rich and highly attractive to carnivorous fish.
    • Cons: Need to be kept fresh, and they can carry bacteria if not stored properly.

  7. Mice or Rat Pups (for large, predatory fish such as some species of arowanas or piranhas)

    • Pros: High protein content suitable for large carnivorous fish.
    • Cons: Expensive and not widely available.

Considerations When Feeding Tropical Fish with Feeder Fish:

  • Disease and Parasites: Feeder fish can introduce diseases and parasites to your aquarium. It's important to quarantine feeder fish for 2–3 weeks before feeding them to your tropical fish.

  • Nutritional Balance: Feeder fish are not a complete diet for your tropical fish. They should only be fed occasionally and not as the main food source. Providing a balanced diet with pellets, flakes, or other food designed for your tropical fish will ensure they get the proper nutrition.

  • Feeding Frequency: Avoid overfeeding feeder fish, as they can increase waste in your tank and upset water quality. Overfeeding can also make your tropical fish too dependent on live food.

  • Size Appropriateness: Make sure the feeder fish are an appropriate size for your tropical fish. If they are too large, it could be difficult or harmful for the fish to eat them.

  • Ethical Considerations: If you're concerned about using live feeder fish, frozen options (like brine shrimp or bloodworms) can be a great alternative and ensure your tropical fish still get the right nutrients without the potential harm to the feeder fish.

In summary, while feeder fish are a good source of live food for carnivorous or predatory tropical fish, they should be fed with caution to prevent the spread of disease and ensure that the fish receive a well-rounded diet.