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

TC INSECTS Turkish Glider Fresh Fruit Fly Culture Live Feeders for Dart Frogs

Huntsville, Texas, 773**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$8

Turkish Gliders Fruit Flies
These will be fresh cultures! with Super Swarm Media!
These Turkish Gliders Fruit Flies are extremely prolific and make an excellent feeder insect for small reptiles, amphibians, baby arachnids, and other tiny insect-eating pets. Their smaller adult size makes them a great choice for young animals or species that need a more manageable feeder
Each culture is raised in a 32oz cup using our Super Swarm Media, a premium blend formulated to support strong ... more

2pk Flightless Fruit Flies 32oz - NEW Hydei Fruitfly Culture Feeders

Norwalk, California, 906**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$20

NEW CULTURES: You will receive 2 32oz deli cups that are freshly started and have about 50 flies to initiate breeding and avoid overpopulation (crashing), these have NO EGGS yet. It will take approximately 14 days to produce flies from when you receive it depending on environmental conditions
Fruit flies are perfect for mantids, geckos, anoles, salamanders, small spiders, dart frogs, and even bettas! Your culture should be kept between 70 and 80° and out of direct sunlight
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Drosophila melanogaster (Flightless Fruit Flies Culture) - LIVE FEEDER INSECTS

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

$40

??PLEASE READ BEFORE PURCHASING??
(WHAT YOU RECEIVE)
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FRUIT FLY: Drosophila melanogaster (flightless)
SIZE: 1 / 16?? inches (smaller than hydie fruit flies)
COUNT: 50+ (will produce prolifically)
(BASIC INFO)
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LIVE FOOD SOURCE FOR: Dart Frogs, Jumping Spiders, Praying
Mantis, Mantids, Morning Geckos, ... more

TC INSECTS Wingless Melanogaster Fruit Fly Culture 32oz Live Feeder Insects

Huntsville, Texas, 773**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$8

Wingless Melanogaster Fruit Flies
These Wingless Melanogaster Fruit Flies are extremely prolific and make an excellent feeder for small reptiles, amphibians, dart frogs, slings, and other tiny insect-eating pets. Their small size and reliable production make them a favorite for keepers who need a steady supply of easy-to-use feeders
Each culture is grown in a 32oz cup with our Super Swarm Media, a premium blend packed with high-quality ingredients to support strong production and healthy ... more

Biology Genetics Drosophila Fruit Fly Spoonflower Fabric by the Yard

Durham, NC, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$22

... more