Different foods for different fish Feeding freshwater fish a balanced diet that is appropriate to their species is absolutely vital. Proper feeding supports a healthy immune system, promotes growth and breeding, improves the appearance of fish and encourages activity. Different species of fish need different diets so it is important that you research the eating habits of the fish you intend to have in your fish tank aquariums. Finding the right consistency and type of food The type of diet and food consistency can be judged by taking into account three divisions of two groups. The first division is the type of food. Herbivores eat plant-based food only, carnivores are meat-eating fish and omnivores eat both plant and animal matter. Most fish fall into this third section. There are also different depths at which fish feed in fish tank aquariums so it is vital to present food in a texture suitable for fish which collect food from the top, fish that feed on food which has been dropped into the water, and fish that gather food from the bottom of fish tanks. What's on the menu? All fish need a balanced diet rich in proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. Here are a variety of foods you may consider, depending on the dietary requirements of the fish in your fish tanks. Herbivore fish need food high in fibre, such as algae and vegetables. These fish will enjoy spinach, lettuce, nettles, zucchini, carrots, peas and maize. You need to ensure that these vegetables are boiled so they are soft, and broken down into reasonably sized pieces. These foods contain lots of vitamins, minerals and trace elements. I also recommend using Spirulina for herbivores as it provides them with easily edible vegetable protein. For omnivores and carnivores, a diet rich in protein will be vital. This can be provided through live food (ensuring it is nutritious), home-made or commercial foods. Thin slices of cooked white meat or raw red meat can be used, live small fish (e.g. feeder goldfish), freeze-dried or live worms, daphnia, brine shrimp, Tubifex, and krill. Meat, worms and brine shrimp are best fed as a delicacy rather than as a daily meal. Tubifex fosters growth and can be used as a conditioning food to get your fish healthy before breeding. In my opinion, I advise krill as a dietary basis for carnivorous and omnivorous fish. They are rich in protein, contain amino acids and Omega 3 fatty acids for overall health, carotenoids to bring out bright colors in fish, vitamins and minerals which support the immune system, dietary roughage for better digestion, and vitalizing carbohydrates. Krill are also low in fat and salt. They are superb for enabling a sick fish get better or to bring a healthy fish up to peak fitness for breeding or showing. For predatory carnivores who like to catch moving things, you can hang non-live food from a fork and let it down into the fish tank in front of the fish, wiggling it around to give the impression it is alive! Dry foods There are several types of dry foods for instance granules, grains, flakes, pills, pellets and wafers. These can all be bought in a choice of textures considering the type of fish you want to feed and the different parts of the water column they live in. Most of these prepared foods are of a high-quality, intended to give a balanced diet and are full of extra vitamins and minerals, so it is important to include them in the diet. Different formulas can also be used at times such as preparation for breeding or for developing color. It is also very convenient being easy to store and doesn't need any preparation. The risk of disease or parasites being brought into tank aquariums with food is likewise completely eliminated. Enjoy! Variety is the real key to superior fish nutrition. Therefore, it is imperative to provide your fish with a variety of different properly selected foods to ensure they are given a balanced diet for their best possible health and their interest in and enjoyment of food. Copyright © 2009 Jill Kaestner @ Kaestner Marketing LLC
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It is essential that fish are given a balanced diet which is matched to the needs of their particular species. In this article you can learn the different dietary requirements of fish that live in tropical freshwater aquariums, and how to provide meals which are both full of flavor and wholesome, ensuring the health and contentment of fish in your fish tanks.
Jill Kaestner I intend to supply you with expert guidance on setting up, stocking and servicing your aquariums. With personal know-how in tropical freshwater aquariums and extensive professional research, information and counsel in my articles can be trusted. I have also started 'Aquarius', an online store to share with you some of my amazing aquariums bowls.
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