Killifish

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
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.

Nothobranchius virgatus feeding on Drosophila larvae
Nothobranchius virgatus Fula A Zarga SUD 98 feeding on Drosophila larvae
Cute fish look evil from above
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

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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

Fruit Fly Culture 3Pack Variety Live Flightless, Turkish Gliders, & Golden Hydei

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

$25

Introducing a pack of four fruit fly cultures, specially designed for reptile supplies. These live cultures are brought to you by Crazy Frog Lady L L.C. and are perfect for feeding your pets. You will receive a variety of Turkish Gliders, Golden Hydei, and Flightless fruit flies in this pack.
The high-quality brand ensures that your pets get the best nutrition. These cultures are suitable for pet owners looking for fresh and healthy food for their reptiles. So, if you are looking for a new ... more

Sticky Fruit Fly Traps, Yellow Gnat Killer Trap use for Indoor Outdoor, 18 pcs

State College, Pennsylvania, 168**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$10

Sticky Fruit Fly Traps, Yellow Gnat Killer Trap use for Indoor Outdoor, 18 pcs.

Actual picture of my sticky trap after one day conquering a gnat infestation
... more

Turkish Fruit Fly Culture + 1 Just Add Flies for Dart Frog Food Reptile Food

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

$25

The product is a Turkish fruit fly culture kit + 1 additional container of just-add-flies food designed for dart frogs and reptiles. Produced by the brand Crazy Frog Lady, this product provides a convenient and natural way to feed your pets. The fruit flies are a nutritious food source for many reptiles and amphibians, promoting healthy eating habits and reducing the need for processed diets. With this product, you can easily maintain a steady supply of live insects for your pets to enjoy
... more

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