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

"Turkish Glider" Melanogaster (Fruit Fly Culture) - LIVE FEEDER INSECT DART FROG

Cleveland, Georgia, 305**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$40

??PLEASE READ BEFORE PURCHASING??
- IN EXTREME TEMPS LIVE ARRIVAL GUARANTEE
WILL ONLY BE IN EFFECT WHEN UPGRADED TO
PRIORITY MAIL OR IN TEMPS BETWEEN 0 - 85F
- COOL PACKS WILL BE ADDED IF NEEDED
(I CHECK TEMPS BEFORE SHIPMENT)
- UPGRADED PRIORITY SHIPPING IS RECOMMENDED
FOR THE SAFEST ARRIVAL
(WHAT YOU RECEIVE)
---------------------------------------------------------------
Name: "Turkish Glider" Melanogaster Fruit Fly
Size: 1 / ... more

Flightless Fruit Fly Culture (Drosophila Melanogaster) Free Shipping

San Juan, Puerto Rico, 009**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$15

Flightless Fruit Fly Culture (Drosophila Melanogaster) Free Shipping

Ship Monday-Wednesday

Live arrival guaranteed

Any question or problem send me a message
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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 & 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

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
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