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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Flightless Fruit Fly (Melanogaster / Small Fly) 32oz Culture

Vinita, Oklahoma, 743**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$18

The flightless Drosophila Melanogaster (small fruit fly) are bred in a 32oz reusable / dishwasher safe container with a vented lid. The lid has an easy access tab to limit the number of fruit fly escape and death from lid closure
The cup contains nutrient dense media: Wheat farina, malted barley, steel-cut oats, wheat bran, rolled oats, ground flax seeds, maize, apple puree, banana puree, water, apple cider vinegar, brewer's yeast, wheat germ, ground eggshell, smoked paprika, and spirulina. ... more

Fly Trap Indoor, Fruit Fly Catcher Mosquito Killer Insect Trap with Sticky

Phoenix, Arizona, 850**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$71

FVOAI Fly Trap Indoor, Fruit Fly Catcher Mosquito Killer Insect Trap with Sticky Glue Boards(Black-Blue)HOME DESIGN
WELCOME
TO YOUR PERFECT
HOME
DETAILS
Tips for best results:
1 12 or more hours of running is suggested for an ideal effect
2 Close your windows and shut the doors
3 Put the trap in a dark place for the best trapping of insects
4. Place the trap near the insects-near the fruit, trash can, or plants
Product Specifications:
Power Required: 5WPower ... more

x4 Flightless Fruit Fly Cultures (Melanogaster, Hydei & Goldens) LIVE FEEDERS

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

$100

??PLEASE READ BEFORE PURCHASING??
(WHAT YOU RECEIVE)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Name: "Golden" Drosophila melanogaster / "Golden" Drosophila hydei
Drosophila melanogaster / Drosophila hydei
(x4 CULTURES)
Sizes: Flies, Larva & Eggs
Count: 50+ Per Culture (will produce prolifically)
Sex: M / F
WITH EXTREME TEMPS THERE WILL ... more

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

Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, 180**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$14

The Flightless Fruit Flies are a unique and entertaining addition to any pet or reptile setup. These Drosophila hydei flies are specifically bred to lack wings, making them easy to handle and control. With a 24oz culture size, you can enjoy watching these tiny creatures with your reptiles or as a fun experiment for children. These flies are a great way to add a touch of live action to your home environment while also providing a fun and interactive experience for your pets
... more