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 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

Flightless Fruit Fly Cultures 2 Pack+ 2 Pack of Wingless Total of 4 CULTURES.

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

$35

This 2 pack of Flightless Fruit Fly cultures + 2 Pack of Wingless is the perfect addition to any reptile or dart frog owner's collection. These cultures provide a nutritious and tasty food source for your pets without the hassle of dealing with live insects. The flies are easy to maintain and will last for several weeks, ensuring that your pets are well-fed and healthy.
With free shipping included, this is a great deal that you don't want to miss out on. Whether you're a seasoned reptile ... more

Hydei Fruit Fly Culture + 1 Just Add Flies 4 Dart Frog Food Reptile Food

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

$25

The product is a Hydei 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

3 Golden & 3 Hydei Fruit Fly Cultures Reptile or Dart Frog Food 6 Total Cultures

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

$57


6 Pack of 2 different Cultures
Golden Fruit Flies x3
Hydei Fruit Flies x3
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 ... 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