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
Killi.co.uk is funded by its visitors. When you buy through links on our site we may earn an affiliate commission. For more info see
terms and conditions.
Porter, Texas, 773**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$15
Fresh Wingless Melanogaster Fruit Fly Culture (WM)Size: Wingless Melanogaster are small fruit flies adults are near 3mm long
Each culture is started fresh in a 32 oz vented cup using our high-quality fruit fly media
a nutrient-rich blend designed to support strong fly production and extended culture life
Get the Best Savings with ERAWAN IMPORTS!
At Erawan Imports, we are dedicated to delivering the quality you expect
We pride ourselves on fast delivery and producing quality...
more
Vienna, Georgia, 310**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$5
Live arrival voided during extreme temps above 95 degrees HEAT PACK OPTION AVAILABLE IF YOUR TEMPS WILL BE low
Will have excelsior for surface area
DISCLAIMER: as we enter summer temps, there is a risk that cultures will not arrive alive or producing, because of this I have included a ice pack option.
wingless melanogaster 32oz Fruit Fly Culture .
producing will be about a week old Please order accordingly! Due to winter season, live guarantee is voided if left in mailbox or ...
more
Middletown, Pennsylvania, 170**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$30
This live dart frog food by Crazy Frog L L.C. is the perfect addition to your pet reptile's diet. The 32 oz container of flightless fruit fly culture provides a sustainable food source for your beloved pet. Along with the food, this package also includes Zoo Med Calcium with D3, ensuring your reptile gets the necessary nutrients for healthy bone growth. A great choice for any reptile owner looking to provide their pet with quality nutrition
...
more
Middletown, Pennsylvania, 170**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$19
Our Flightless Fruit Fly Culture 32 oz are made with Repashy
Live Flightless 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 accurately
Oue Fruit ...
more
Cottage Grove, Minnesota, 550**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$25
Finn's Frog Farm
Fruit Fly Media
Makes 24 fruit fly cultures
Multi Species Formula
Cultures should be kept below 85 degrees and will start producing flies in 12-14 days. Depending on temperature and humidity of your location, adjust the amount of water
Dryer conditions more water, humid conditions less water
...
more