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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Golden Hydei Flightless Fruit Fly Culture ?? Live Feeder Insects - 32oz Master

Xenia, Ohio, 453**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$14

What You??re Buying
Live, producing Golden Hydei flightless fruit fly culture. Cultures ship fresh and are ideal for reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, and small insectivores
Why Golden Hydei
Golden hydei are larger than melanogaster and ideal for pets that need a slightly bigger feeder
Culture Notes
Cultures require 7??14 days after arrival to become fully productive. Plan feedings accordingly
Shipping & Handling
Shipped carefully with insulation when required. ... more

MUSLIN Black Nylon Sheets 27 " x18" 5-lot Fruit Fly Springtail Isopod Cultures

Lombard, Illinois, 601**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$10

MUSLIN Black Nylon Sheets 27" x 18" Lot of 5
For Fruit Fly Springtail Isopod Cultures
These Sheets are sourced from the Wholesale Floral Industry, used in Orchid arrangements that require high air flow. As such, the Sheets are very light weight. Each sheet has a small 3" 'X' cut in the center of the sheet, to allow stem passage. Each quadrant of the sheet is enough for 2-3 culture jars depending on their size, even more if you're using culture vials.
Sold in lots of 5 Sheets. Sheets ... more

Empty Fruit Fly 32oz Culture Cup w / Vent Lid ?? Reusable Feeder Insect Container

Xenia, Ohio, 453**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$15


Fully Prepared Fruit Fly Culture ?? Media & Excelsior Included (No Flies)
This listing is for a fully prepared fruit fly culture that is ready for immediate use ?? just add flies
All culture media is freshly mixed and poured, and each container includes excelsior for proper surface area and airflow
This option is ideal for breeders who already have flies on hand, want to start fresh cultures, or need additional production containers without purchasing live insects
What??s ... more

Drosophila hydei (Flightless Fruit Fly Culture) - LIVE FEEDER INSECTS CULTURE

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

$40

??PLEASE READ BEFORE PURCHASING??
(WHAT YOU RECEIVE)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FRUIT FLY: Drosophila Hydei (flightless)
SIZE: 1 / 8?? inches (larger than melanogaster fruit flies)
COUNT: 50+ (will produce prolifically)
(BASIC INFO)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LIVE FOOD SOURCE FOR: Dart Frogs, Jumping Spiders, Praying
Mantis, Mantids, Morning Geckos, ... more

Flightless 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 Flightless 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