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

Fresh Hydei Fruit Fly Culture | Free Shipping | LIVE FEEDERS

Porter, Texas, 773**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$15

Hydei Fruit Fly Culture (Drosophila hydei)Size: Adults reach approximately 4mm in length, making them one of the larger flightless fruit fly species
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 ... more

Fruit Fly Culture Kit - Makes 2 cultures - No Flies (retail)

San Diego, California, 921**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$10

Simplify your pet care routine with the Fruit Fly Culture Kit from Spood Food. This is a complete media kit, pre-measured so you just dump the media, add hot water, stir, and go. Making 2 cultures, this kit ensures convenience and efficiency. We use Repashy Superfly for the media and not some generic mix, promising quality every time. Perfect for hobbyists and professionals alike!... 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

Hydei Fruit Fly Culture 32oz Dart Frog Food Reptile Food Live Insects

Middletown, Pennsylvania, 170**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$8

Hydei is a larger fruit fly at 3 mm in size. This makes them the ideal live food choice to feed to the larger species of Dart Frogs
Fruit flies are an excellent feeder for particularly small or hatchling reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates such as:
Anoles (juvenile)
Carpet chameleons (juvenile)
Dart frogs
Day geckos
Electric blue geckos
Jumping spiders
Mantises
Mourning geckos
Pygmy chameleons (juvenile)
Tarantulas (juveniles / slings)
Care ... more

Wingless Fruit Fly Cultures 2 Pack+ 2 Pack of Golden Hydei Total of 4 CULTURES.

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

$35

This 2 pack of Golden Hydei Fruit Fly cultures + 2 Pack of Wingless 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 ... more