The best food for fish. What food to choose?
Feeding aquarium fish is one of the most important duties in relation to these animals, and the responsibility for this lies with the breeder. In order for the fish to be in good condition, before buying them, it is worth familiarizing yourself with the needs of the specific species that we intend to keep in the home aquarium. There are many types of fish food on the market, so it is worth familiarizing yourself with each of them in order to choose the best one for our pets.
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Nutritional needs of fish
Aquarium fish species may have different nutritional requirements. There are usually carnivorous species (eg militaria), herbivorous and omnivorous species (eg guppies). It is assumed that the composition of the food of their carnivores should consist of at least 60% high-protein ingredients and 30% plant-based ingredients. In the case of herbivores, the opposite is true - about 70% of the food consists of plant ingredients, and high-protein ingredients should not be more than 10%. Fish need all the nutrients for normal functioning - proteins, fats and carbohydrates, but in different proportions depending on the species.
When choosing the type of food, it is also necessary to take into account the method of feeding and the size of the mouth. Some species feed from the surface of the water, others from the bottom or from the depths. The form of food - flakes, granules, chips, sticks should also be selected according to the size of the mouth of the fish. It is also recommended to give the fish a sufficient amount of vitamins, but after observation and depending on the specific need. Some vitamins can be produced by the fish itself, and some of them can be found in commercial feed. However, you need to carefully analyze the composition, because it happens that the content of vitamins is low and this is more of a marketing ploy.
Usually aquarium fish are fed 1-2 times a day. It is important not to overfeed them, this food should be eaten within a few minutes after ingestion. If we notice that the food stays in the water longer, it is better to fish it out, as the leftover food can spoil and pollute the aquarium. The amount of food given also depends, of course, on the number of fish living in the aquarium. It should be enough for everyone, let's make sure that the fish do not fight for it.
Types of food
Dry fish food is chosen very often, especially by novice breeders. If we choose quality food carefully, it will be healthy food for our fish (species-specific, of course), which will reflect in their good health. It is worth reading the compositions and, if in doubt, ask the advice of an experienced breeder. Ready meals come in a variety of forms:
- flakes – the most versatile form of food, suitable for feeding fish both on the surface (because it initially remains on it) and for those who eat food in deeper places (begins to sink over time)
- pellets – best for fish that feed deeper and near the bottom, shaped into smaller or larger granules as it sinks to the bottom
- pills – their advantage is that they can be placed on the bottom or glued to the walls of the aquarium, suitable for bottom-dwelling fish or crustaceans
- Food sticks – Food for slightly larger fish floating on the surface of the water, suitable for fish feeding near the surface
- Chips – slightly larger flakes for larger fish species
- Wafer - they absorb water rather slowly, due to which they retain their shape longer, can be a good choice for species that have a mouth adapted to rubbing food from various surfaces.
Foods to improve the color of fish are also popular. Fish with intense colors, especially warm ones (for example, gladioli, flakes, barbs) will look much more spectacular if we diversify their diet with such food. Substances that improve their natural color are obtained from vegetables and plants, so they are safe. Another food for special tasks - designed for fry. Young fish may not be able to use adult fish food, so they need it specifically for themselves. Young fry should also be fed more often (several times a day).
Separately, it is worth paying attention to the packaging of dry food. It must be airtight so that the food does not spoil and is not aired, therefore it is not recommended to buy food by weight, since it is not known when the combined package was opened. If we buy food in a package that cannot be sealed tightly after opening, it is better to pour it into our own box with an airtight lid.
Remember that the diet of aquarium fish should not be monotonous. If you choose dry food, it is wise to choose more than one type of food to add variety to your diet both in terms of taste and nutritional value. The fish should also be fed live food, i.e. mosquito larvae, bloodworms, eyelids and daphnia. This food is the most beneficial for them and it is best that it forms the basis of their diet, or at least they receive it as a supplement to dry food. Live food can be fresh or frozen. Frozen can be stored longer, fresh must be used up quickly. Live food can also be freeze-dried and has a high nutritional value. Valuable food for our fish will certainly contribute to their good condition and health.
Is there an allergy to fish food?
Fish food can indeed sometimes be allergenic. An example of an ingredient that can increase your sensitivity is daphnia. Allergy symptoms can be runny nose, cough, watery eyes, local rash. However, this is a very individual matter. One person will develop symptoms if he or she is in a room with food, while another person will only feel discomfort if it is served (taken in hand). If it turns out that I am allergic to fish food, this does not necessarily mean that you need to get rid of the aquarium. You should first check if the problem is solved by changing the food, because you may be allergic to a particular ingredient. Live food, especially frozen food, is less likely to cause allergies, so it can also be a good solution that will also benefit the health of our fish.
More tips on pet care and nutrition can be found on AvtoTachki Passions in the Mam Pets section.
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