Fruit flies, or Drosophila are an excellent food for most small fish, largely representing the natural killifish diet of invertebrates. Flies are the perfect food for surface dwelling fish species, but even killies from the lower strata, like Nothobranchius can be trained to eat them. Drosophila larvae are also a good food for killies, and although rarely a 'favourite' food, are an easy source of small food when worms are not available.
A Rivulus xiphidius eyes up a fruit fly
Feeding fruit fly larvae to killifish
Larvae of any size can be fed to killies to suit their needs. Lots of larvae can be scraped from the sides of their vial, and if a drip of water is added , the rest will make their way out of the media and up the sides. After this you can leave the remaining larvae to hatch turn into flies, or to be really thorough you can add the contents of the vial to a strong (3M) salt solution. The food dissolves away or sinks and the larvae will float, allowing them to be scooped out with a net, rinsed and fed. It is crucial not to over feed with Drosophila larvae, as they drown very quickly (1 hour or less) and although fish do eat them, they do not eat them with the same relish that they enjoy other insect larvae.
Cute fish look evil from above
Feeding with flies
Simple throw them in! The flies float on the surface, sometimes in clumps. If they can get to the sides they will climb out. Feeding fish with fruit flies is easy when the fish are hungry and waiting, however some will always escape. Surface feeders, such as Epiplatys will devour them quickly, however other species need to be trained, not so much to eat them, but to notice that they are there! Unless your fish are mad for fruit flies, only feed a few at a time! Again, 5-8 minutes in a freezer can immobilise flies for some time, but they do wake up after a few seconds in warm tank water.
Fruit fly cultures for sale
Killi.co.uk is funded by its visitors. When you buy through links on our site we may earn an affiliate commission. For more info see
terms and conditions.
Niagara Falls, New York, 143**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$8
Drosophila Hydei Fruit Fly Culture
Fruit Flies Drosophila Hydei are perfect feeder insects for carnivorous plants - Drosera (Sundew), Pinguicula (Butterwort), small Sarracenia (Pitcher Plants), Dionaea Muscipula ( Venus Flytrap) and Nepenthes (Tropical Pitcher Plant) etc , as well as for young or small reptiles or other insectivorous animals
We sell them in 32 oz specialized containers providing food and comfort habitat for many generations of Fruit Flies
...
more
Charleston, South Carolina, 294**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$8
Our starter culture of flightless fruit flies are a perfect source of nutrition and protein, for many types of reptiles and snmall pets. Including praying, mantis, small lizards, spiders, frogs, amphibians and other insectivores
The culture contains live fruit flies that cannot fly, making them easier for your animals to catch
With this starter culture, you will be able to maintain a steady supply of fruit flies for weeks and months!
LAG ( refund only) ...
more
Porter, Texas, 773**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$15
Fresh Turkish Glider Fruit Fly Culture (TG)Size: Turkish Gliders are small fruit flies adults are near 3mm long
These Hydei are extremely prolific and make excellent feeders for small reptiles, amphibians, jumping spiders, and other invertebrates
Each culture is started fresh in a 32 oz vented cup using our high-quality fruit fly media
a nutrient-rich blend designed to support strong fly production and extended culture life
Get the Best Savings with ERAWAN IMPORTS!
At ...
more
Dover, Pennsylvania, 173**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$57
6 Pack of 2 different Cultures
Golden Fruit Flies x3
Hydei Fruit Flies x3
Live fruit flies are a great option for feeding small lizards and many species of frogs, especially because of their reproduction cycle. Each culture of flightless fruit flies has a lifespan of about one month, and even after they die, they will continually pupate from eggs laid by the adults in the culture! This will allow you to keep fruit flies for a while, as long as they are taken care of ...
more
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, 180**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$25
The Flightless Fruit Flies are a unique and interesting pet supply for reptile owners. This 24oz culture of Drosophila hydei fruit flies is perfect for providing a nutritious and live food source for reptiles. With free shipping included, this is a convenient and affordable option for pet owners looking to enhance their reptile's dietary options
...
more
