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

Hydei Fruit Fly Culture 4 Pack Reptile Dart Frog Food Live

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

$35

Get your reptile dart frogs the nourishment they need with this Hydei Fruit Fly Culture 4 Pack from Crazy Frog Lady L L.C. These live fruit flies are perfect for providing your pets with the necessary protein they require to thrive.
Crafted with the utmost care, this food source is an ideal choice for reptile owners who want to ensure that their pets receive high-quality sustenance. So why wait? Place your order today and give your dart frogs the nutritious meal they deserve
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Fresh Turkish Glider Fruit Fly Culture | Free Shipping | LIVE FEEDERS

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

$15

Fresh Turkish Glider Fruit Fly Culture (TG)Size: Turkish Gliders are small fruit flies adults are near 3mm long
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
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Fruit Fly Media, makes 24 cultures

Cottage Grove, Minnesota, 550**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$25

Finn's Frog Farm
Fruit Fly Media
Makes 24 fruit fly cultures
Multi Species Formula
Cultures should be kept below 85 degrees and will start producing flies in 12-14 days. Depending on temperature and humidity of your location, adjust the amount of water
Dryer conditions more water, humid conditions less water
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Fruit Fly Cultures 3 Pack Variety Live Flightless, Turkish Gliders, & Wingless

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

$30

Get ready to offer your reptiles a variety of live food with this Fruit Fly Culture 3Pack. It includes three types of fruit flies: Live Flightless, Turkish Gliders, and Wingless. These flies are perfect for feeding your pet reptiles and are sourced from Crazy Frog Lady L L.C , a trusted brand in the pet supplies industry
With this Fruit Fly Culture 3Pack Variety, you can provide your reptiles with high-quality live food that is rich in nutrients. These fruit flies are easy to care for and ... more

Flightless Fruit Fly Culture (Drosophila Melanogaster) FREE SHIPPING

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

$40

Drosophila melanogaster Flightless fruit flies culture in a 32oz cup
Culture is made at the time of purchase to ensure freshness
We ship on Monday through Wednesday. Any order received from late Tuesday??through Sunday??will be ship on the following Monday
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