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 (Large Fruit Fly: D. hydei) - 32oz

Shullsburg, Wisconsin, 535**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$10

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

Fruit Fly & Drain Fly Killer - Simple Commercial Drain Gel Treatment

Saint Louis, Missouri, 631**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$27

Fruit Fly & Drain Fly Killer - Simple Commercial Drain Gel Treatment ?? Eliminates Gross Fruit Flies, Drain Flies, Sewer Flies & Gnat Infestations From Any Drain. Fast & Easy
FAST ACTING & EASY TO USE ?? Simply Pour This Specially Formulated Gel Solution Down Any Sink Drain Or Floor Drain Where Fruit Flies and Drain Flies Breed. Works On The Worst Fruit Fly & Drain Fly Infestations. Can Be Used In Bars, Bathrooms, Homes, Hotels, Kitchens & Restaurants
HOW IT WORKS ... more

Fruit Fly Culture (Turkish Glider) - 32oz Mature

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

$8

Although "Turkish Gliders" are a strain of D. melanogaster and are flightless, they are capable of gliding in a downward spiral and inclined to hopping and being more active than regular D. melanogaster making them an enriching activity for your pets!
Looking for an easy and reliable feeder insect for your dart frogs, fish, mantids, or juvenile reptiles? Our Turkish Glider Fruit Fly Cultures are the perfect choice! These small, flightless fruit flies can be easily produced at home ... more

Hydei (Golden) LIVE Fruit Fly Culture

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

$8

Buy Drosophila hydei Flightless Fruit Fly Cultures - Superior Feeder Insects for Medium to Large Reptiles & Amphibians
Enhance your pet’s diet with Drosophila hydei flightless fruit fly cultures—an excellent live food source for medium to large reptiles and amphibians. Drosophila hydei are known for their larger size, slow movement, and unique flightless trait, making them the ideal feeder insect for chameleons, frogs, geckos, and other insectivores that need more substantial ... more

Flightless Fruit Fly 2 PACK cultures Dart Frog Food Reptile Food FREE SHIPPING

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

$20

This 2 pack of Flightless Fruit Fly cultures 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 new dart frog... more