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

Flightless Fruit Flies (newly started 24oz Drosophila hydei culture)

New York, 100**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$18

This listing is for one 24oz container of flightless fruit flies (Drosophila hydei) complete with media and flies!
Just like wingless D. melanogaster, flightless D. hydei fruit flies are ideal feeder insects for small or young animals. They are about twice as large as D. melanogaster. Unlike crickets or other typical feeder insects, fruit flies cannot bite or harm your pet. They are easy to maintain and reproduce quickly (D. hydei reproduce slower than D. melanogaster). The life cycle of D. ... more

Wingless 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 Winglessless 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

Flightless Fruit Fly 2 PACK cultures Dart Frog Food Reptile Food FREE SHIPPING

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

$20

This 2 pack of Flightless 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

Fruit Fly Culture Kit - Makes 4 cultures - No Cups - No flies (retail)

San Diego, California, 921**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$12

These are extra supplies for those of you that recycle your cups or already have them!
 
4 portions of Repashy Superfly Mix
4 portions of Excelsior
4 Culture labels
 
No Flies and No Cups
 
 
*No Cups or Lids are included *
... more

Fruit Fly Media Culture Mix 1 5Lb (24oz) Makes 10 cultures

Wheeling, Illinois, 600**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$17

Fruit fly Media Culture Mix contains 1 5Lb (24oz) to makes 10 fruit flies cultures.


Our  fruit fly media works for both melanogaster and Hydei. It is Homemade with the best ingredients to produce top quality flies for your animals . Our fruit fly media contains brewer's years also ingredients anti-bacterial to avoid the bad smell, we use a mold inhibitor  to prevent mold. The ingredients we use give increase the longevity of the cultures and produces high yields ... more