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

Freshly Started Flightless Drosophila Hydei Fruit Fly Culture

Lyndhurst, New Jersey, 070**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$13

Fresh Fruit Fly Hydei Cultures and they are an ideal food for Poison Dart Frogs, fish, Praying Mantids, young frogs and toads, and other reptiles, amphibians, or captive animals that require small foods... 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)
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FRUIT FLY: Drosophila Hydei (flightless)
SIZE: 1 / 8?? inches (larger than melanogaster fruit flies)
COUNT: 50+ (will produce prolifically)
(BASIC INFO)
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LIVE FOOD SOURCE FOR: Dart Frogs, Jumping Spiders, Praying
Mantis, Mantids, Morning Geckos, ... 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

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
... more

Fruit Fly Culture 8Pack Variety Live Flightless Turkish Gliders Golden and Hydei

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

$65

Welcome to our listing for a Fruit Fly Culture 8 Pack Variety! This product is perfect for those in need of a live food source for their reptiles and small frogs
This 8 pack includes: 2 Flightless Melanogaster, 2 Turkish Gliders, 2 Golden, and 2 Hydei flies. These fruit flies are perfect for feeding reptiles and small frogs, as they are flightless and will stay in the enclosure for a longer period of time. Our product comes from Crazy Frog Lady L L.C, a trusted brand in the industry
... more