Fruit flies part 5: Feeding Drosophila to fish

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

Fruit Fly Culture (D. melanogaster) - 32oz (mature)

Dubuque, Iowa, 520**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$8

Looking for an easy and reliable feeder insect for your dart frogs, fish, mantids, or juvenile reptiles? Our D. melanogaster Fruit Fly Cultures are the perfect choice! These small, flightless fruit flies can be easily produced at home offering a continuous supply for 30-50 days!
Product Features:
Species: Drosophila melanogaster (D. melanogaster) Fruit FliesPerfect for: Dart frogs, fish, mantids, juvenile reptiles, and other insectivoresCulture Lifespan: Each culture typically produces ... more

Fruit Fly Media Culture Mix Kit Makes 10 culture 1 5Lb (24oz)

Wheeling, Illinois, 600**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$36

Fruit fly Media Culture Mix Kit contains 1 5Lb (24oz) Of Media Excelsior, Cups / Lids to makes 10 fruit flies cultures.
It does not include live flies
Our fruit fly media works for both melanogaster and Hydei. It is Homemade with the best ingredients to produce top quality flies for your animals . Our fruit fly media contains brewer's years vitamins B also ingredients anti-bacterial to avoid the bad smell, we use a mold inhibitor to prevent mold. The ingredients we use give increase ... more

Flightless Fruit Fly Culture, HYDEI 4 PACK 32 oz. LIVE Feeder Insects

Eureka, California, 955**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$34

4 PACK of HYDEI Flightless Fruit Fly Cultures
Fresh, healthy fruit fly cultures grown on a premium, nutrient-rich medium for strong growth and reliable production
Each culture is started with a generous number of flies to ensure quick establishment and steady output
Perfect For:
?? Dart frogs & tree frogs
?? Baby chameleons
?? Small geckos (crested, gargoyle, day geckos, leachies)
?? Praying mantises & jumping spiders
?? Betta & nano fish
?? Isopods, ... more

Turkish Gliders Fruit Fly 4 PACK cultures Dart Frog Food Reptile Food

Dover, Pennsylvania, 173**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$30

This package contains four cultures of Turkish Gliders Fruit Fly, perfect for feeding your pet reptiles, including dart frogs. These fruit flies are a delicious and nutritious food source that will keep your pets healthy and happy
Each culture contains a large number of fruit flies, ensuring that you will have enough food for your pets for a while. The package is designed for pet owners who are looking for a high-quality food source for their pets
... more

Freshly Started Flightless Drosophila Hydei Fruit Fly Culture

Lyndhurst, New Jersey, 070**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$13

Fresh Fruit Fly Hydei Cultures and they are an ideal food for Poison Dart Frogs, fish, Praying Mantids, young frogs and toads, and other reptiles, amphibians, or captive animals that require small foods... more