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
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Rohnert Park, California, 949**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$4
This product is perfect for those who love to create unique and handcrafted items. The pack contains 8 oz of Wood Wool Excelsior, which is perfect for packing fragile items or even as a decorative material. The product is made from high-quality materials and is designed to provide maximum comfort and protection for your reptile pets.
With its exceptional quality and versatility, this product is a must-have for all crafting enthusiasts. It is ideal for creating various items, from fruit flies...
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Dover, Pennsylvania, 173**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$30
This Fruit Fly Culture 4Pack Variety is the perfect food for your pet reptiles. You'll receive live flightless fruit flies of different species, including Turkish Gliders, Golden, and Hydei. These fruit flies are bred by Crazy Frog Lady L L.C , a trusted brand in the pet supplies industry.
Use this variety pack to provide nutrition to your reptiles and keep them healthy. These live fruit flies are a great source of protein and are easy to digest. They also provide entertainment for your pets...
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Somers, New York, 105**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$18
Dover, Pennsylvania, 173**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$30
Live fruit flies are a great option for feeding small lizards and many species of frogs, especially because of their reproduction cycle. Each culture of flightless fruit flies has a lifespan of about one month, and even after they die, they will continually pupate from eggs laid by the adults in the culture! This will allow you to keep fruit flies for a while, as long as they are taken care of accurately. Then make your own by adding a few into the empty cultures the wait a week ...
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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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