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

Turkish Glider Fruit Fly Culture 4 Pack Reptile Dart Frog Food Live

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

$29

32 oz Drosophila Melanogaster (4 Pack) "Turkish Glider" Fruit Fly Culture
Our Fruit Flies are made in house with Repashy
Turkish Glider Melanogaster are the smallest size of fruit flies at 1 / 16 "
Turkish Glider Melanogaster are a winged and slightly darker than the Golden Wingless Melanogaster
This winged form of melanogaster can 'glide' short distances making for a more active feeder enticing even the pickiest of eaters
Turkish Gliders produce fast and consistently with ... 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

Sticky Fruit Fly Traps, Yellow Gnat Killer Trap use for Indoor Outdoor, 18 pcs

State College, Pennsylvania, 168**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$10

Sticky Fruit Fly Traps, Yellow Gnat Killer Trap use for Indoor Outdoor, 18 pcs.

Actual picture of my sticky trap after one day conquering a gnat infestation
... more

Fruit Fly Culture 4Pack Variety Live Flightless Turkish Gliders Golden and Hydei

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

$35

This Fruit Fly Culture 4Pack Variety is the perfect food for your pet reptiles. You'll receive live flightless fruit flies of different species, including Turkish Gliders, Golden, and Hydei. These fruit flies are bred by Crazy Frog Lady L L.C , a trusted brand in the pet supplies industry.
Use this variety pack to provide nutrition to your reptiles and keep them healthy. These live fruit flies are a great source of protein and are easy to digest. They also provide entertainment for your pets... more

Flightless Fruit Fly Culture Combo (Melanogaster & Hydei) - LIVE FEEDER INSECTS

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

$40

??PLEASE READ BEFORE PURCHASING??
(WHAT YOU RECEIVE)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Name: Drosophila melanogaster / Drosophila hydei (x2 CULTURES)
Sizes: Flies, Larva & Eggs
Count: 50+ Per Culture (will produce prolifically)
Sex: M / F
WITH EXTREME TEMPS THERE WILL ONLY BE
LIVE ARRIVAL GUARANTEE WHEN UPGRADE TO
EXPRESS MAIL OR IN TEMPS BETWEEN 0 - 85F
(CULTURE ... more