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

Live Big Boy Drosophila Hydei Flightless Fruit Flies Starter Culture Kit

Cleveland, Ohio, 441**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$20

These big boy hydei fruit flies are perfect for feeding your praying mantis nymphs (babies), dart frogs, tree frogs, small toads, lizards, salamanders, spiders, tropical fish and ants in ant farms. They get as big as pin head crickets
The 32oz breathable container containers a seed colony of about 50 to 100 flies. They will quickly lay eggs and in about two weeks you will have hundreds more to feed your pets. Don't use all the flies you should always save around at least 30 for breeding more... more

Hydei Fruit Fly 8 PACK Cultures Dart Frog Food Reptile Food FREE SHIPPING

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

$65

This 8 pack of Hydei Fruit Fly cultures 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 owner or a new dart frog ... more

100 Flightless Drosophila Melanogaster Fruit Flies

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

$40

Only thebest: Unlike inferior reptile supplies, this premium container of 100Flightless Drosophila Melanogaster Fruit Flies has been raised under thestrictest quality controls in Cleveland, Ga. We researched common complaintsabout other reptile food and set ourselves the challenge of supplying the bestfruit flies in the market. With meticulous attention to quality, this containerof feeder fruit flies are second to none. Here??s what makes our fruit fly foodfor amphibians, reptiles, tropical... more

Flightless Fruit Fly Culture - Drosophila Melanogaster - Buy 2 Get 1 FREE!

Stockton, California, 952**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$16

Our Drosophila Melanogaster flightless fruit fly cultures are specifically cultivated to provide a nutritious and stimulating food source for your pets! They are a great food option for reptiles, spiders, and even tropical fish, I feed these to my mourning geckos and they love them! Flightless fruit flies are an ideal addition to your pets diet, offering a natural and diverse food option that promotes health and enrichment

Buy 2 Cultures and we will automatically include 1 Culture ... more

Flightless Fruit Fly Culture (Drosophila Melanogaster) Free Shipping

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

$15

Flightless Fruit Fly Culture (Drosophila Melanogaster) Free Shipping

Ship Monday-Wednesday

Live arrival guaranteed

Any question or problem send me a message
... more