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

Completely Wingless melanogaster 32oz Fruit Fly Culture- Ice pack option

Cordele, Georgia, 310**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$14

Due to winter months and cold temps, live arrival is voided without purchase of a heat pack! please be aware of this when purchasing. Live arrival voided during extreme temps. HEAT PACK OPTION AVAILABLE IF YOUR TEMPS WILL BE HIGH
Will have excelsior for surface area
DISCLAIMER: as we enter winter temps, there is a risk that cultures will not arrive alive or producing, because of this I have included a heat pack option. I will also be shipping priority VS first class so prices have ... more

Flightless Fruit Fly Culture (Drosophila Wingless Melanogaster)

Ogden, Utah, 844**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$16

Wingless Fruit Fly Culture (Drosophila Melanogaster). Condition is New. These flightless fruit fly cultures come in a 32oz cup with a ventilated lid, excelsior wool and culture mix. It will come with 100 adult flys that will already be laying new generations upon arrival. For best practices, do not use flys until 5 days after first generation hatches to ensure new generation. These cultures will last you several weeks. Shipped with USPS First Class
... more

Freshly Started Wingless Drosophila Melanogaster Fruit Fly Culture

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

$13

Melanogaster Fresh Fruit Fly 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

Golden & Hydei Fruit Fly Cultures 4 Pack+ 4 Pack Total of 8 CULTURES

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

$65

This 4 pack of Gokden Fruit Fly cultures + 4 Pack of Hydei is the perfect addition to any reptile or dart frog owner's collection. These cultures provide a nutritious and tasty food source for your pets without the hassle of dealing with live insects. The flies are easy to maintain and will last for several weeks, ensuring that your pets are well-fed and healthy.
With free shipping included, this is a great deal that you don't want to miss out on. Whether you're a seasoned reptile owner or a... more

ZendoZones Succulent Fruit Fly Trap ?? Joyful Janet Design with White Base

San Bernardino, CA, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$17

ZendoZones Succulent Fruit Fly Trap – Joyful Janet Design with White Base – Eco-Friendly Indoor Fruit Fly Control – Easy-to-Use Decorative Trap
Product Details
Brand: ZendoZones Color: White Style: Joyful Janet Material: Plastic Product Dimensions: 10"L x 5"W x 13"H Number of Pieces: 1 Is Electric: No Target Species: Fly Unit Count: 1 0 Count UPC... more