
Feeder goldfish need a balanced diet of plants and protein to thrive. Feed feeder goldfish algae, zucchini, and romaine lettuce. These vegetables are readily available and great for feeder goldfish.
What do you feed your fish?
If you are looking for a food source, there are a number of very healthy prepared foods, from flakes and pellets to frozen complete diets, and specialty foods. If you do have a fish that really needs live foods, your best option is to set up a breeding program so that you can breed healthy live foods that you raised yourself.
How to feed frozen food to fish?
When feeding frozen foods, dispense food a little at a time using a turkey baster or large syringe to make sure everyone gets some. Drop a little food at the surface for top feeders and gently squirt some lower into the water column for mid-water and bottom feeders. How Much Should I Feed My Fish?
How do you target feed a fish in a pond?
These fish may need to be target fed, meaning directing food right to them. Flakes and some pellet foods typically linger at the surface for a minute or two before beginning a slow descent to the bottom, making them good choices for surface and mid-water feeders.
Are feeder fish good for predatory fish?
This will give you confidence that your feeder fish are healthy and are a good food source for your predatory fish. "Thanks. Awesome web site!" "Thank you so much for such an informative site that is easy to understand with instructions so clear and concise.

Should you feed feeder fish?
6:0210:04How To Use FEEDER Fish From Petsmart! (Live Feeding) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipMakes them a little bit healthier they're still very fatty. But at least you're giving your big fishMoreMakes them a little bit healthier they're still very fatty. But at least you're giving your big fish your predatory fish a few extra vitamins and nutrients that they themselves would not get alright.
What fish do you feed feeder fish to?
Depending on the locality, feeder fish may include: Low-quality, common livebearers, usually guppies, mosquito fish and platies. Small cyprinids, particularly rosy red minnows and goldfish. Undesirable livebearer and cichlid fry.
What do you feed bottom feeder fish?
0:204:43FEEDING Bottom Feeder Fish - TIP - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo there'll be tablets BB pellets your fresh frozen foods will also sink down at the bottom and inMoreSo there'll be tablets BB pellets your fresh frozen foods will also sink down at the bottom and in the fish kept in aquariums many of the bottom feeding fish can come to the surface.
How much do you feed feeder fish?
As for how much food to feed, a good rule of thumb is to feed no more than the fish will consume completely in five to ten minutes. 3 When in doubt, underfeed! You can always give them another small feeding if necessary. However, if you overfeed, the uneaten food will produce wastes that can be harmful to the fish.
Are flakes or pellets better for fish?
High quality pellets will usually contain more nutritional value than high quality flakes. Fish pellets make it easy to judge and measure exactly how much food you are feeding your fish, which helps to avoid both underfeeding and overfeeding.
How often should you feed feeder fish?
For the most part, feeding your fish once or twice a day is sufficient. Some hobbyists even fast their fish one or two days a week to allow them to clear their digestive systems. Larger, more sedentary fish can go longer between meals than smaller, more active fish.
Do bottom feeders need special food?
Instead of grabbing food from the surface or midwater, bottom feeders find their food along the substrate. Some are scavengers that normally eat dead fish and invertebrates. Others are herbivores that eat mostly algae and other plant materials. And some, like pictus catfish, are even predators.
How long will feeder fish live?
The average lifespan of feeder goldfish is 10–15 years. These fish can live up to 40 years under the right aquarium conditions. They are common fish and are available in aquarium stores and online pet stores....Feeder Goldfish Facts & Overview.CategoryRatingCompatibility:Most smaller freshwater fish9 more rows•Dec 28, 2021
Do bottom feeders eat fish poop?
There is no fish that will eat poop in an aquarium. Occasionally fish are seen chewing on fish poop, but that is because they mistake it for food. Even catfish, plecos, or shrimp do not eat fish poop. The only way to remove fish poop is to use a gravel vacuum and remove it manually.
How do you keep feeder fish alive?
Care Taking & TipsCheck the water parameters just as you would your predator tank.Do 50% water changes at least twice a month.Make sure to feed your feeder fish first (gut load) before offering those fish to your predator.More items...
How do I know if my fish is hungry?
How To Tell If Your Fish Is HungryYour fish is digging around the substrate (searching for food).Waiting and the top of the aquarium (for feeding time).Behavior changes (aggression).Noticeable weight/size changes.Slow or sluggish behavior.
Can feeder fish be kept as pets?
Feeder goldfish are, inherently, less healthy than goldfish that are bred to be pets due to these conditions. They are inexpensive, though, which makes them ideal for people who live feed.
Should I feed My Oscar feeder fish?
Oscars need a balanced diet, so feeding them small fish is fine if you limit it to just a few fish a week. However, there are a few import tips to keep in mind. Always choose extremely healthy feeder fish.
Can feeder fish live with betta fish?
Catflish, Plecos and Corydoras Catfish and bottom feeding fish are usually the best fish to keep with bettas. They don't resemble what a betta would class as a threat. They swim at the bottom of the aquarium and are often reclusive and hide. They're non-aggressive fish.
How do you keep feeder fish alive?
Care Taking & TipsCheck the water parameters just as you would your predator tank.Do 50% water changes at least twice a month.Make sure to feed your feeder fish first (gut load) before offering those fish to your predator.More items...
How long can feeder fish live without food?
Don't Feed Your Fish As for food, freshwater fish are quite capable of going for several days without a meal. Healthy adult fish can go for a week or two without feeding. However, young fish don't have the fat stores of adult fish and they cannot go without eating very long.
What Are Bottom Feeders?
Bottom feeder fish are fish that spend most of their time at the bottom of the tank. Bottom feeders are some of my favorite species out there because they often have very interesting looks and behaviors.
The Benefits Of Bottom Feeders
Bottom-feeder species are great for adding activity and life to the bottom of your aquarium. This can make your tank a much more lively environment that is even more fascinating to observe!
9 Best Bottom Feeder Fish
There are so many great bottom feeders out there, but these are definitely the favorites that I can recommend to any fishkeeper. Remember to take note of their needs to make sure they will work out in your tank! I’ve also included a few common bottom feeders that you should avoid.
Other Great Bottom Feeders To Consider
Below is a list of honorable mentions. They are as popular or provide as much utility as the ones above, but are worth mentioning. Check them out below:
Bottom Feeders To Avoid
Not all bottom feeder fish are suitable for your standard home aquarium. The following few species are not great choices for most fishkeepers:
How To Set Up Your Tank For Bottom Feeders
Before buying any bottom-feeding fish, it’s really important to read up on its needs. Here is some basic information on setting up for bottom-feeding fish:
What To Feed Your Bottom Feeders
Bottom-feeder fish need to be fed a high-quality, balanced diet. Of course, different types of fish have different diets, but here are a few of the best food options available for your fish:
Why do fish eat herbivores?
Here are some tips to help provide the best possible feeding program for your fish: Herbivorous fish tend to forage throughout the day because it takes a lot more plant material to satisfy their nutritional needs than the amount of meat protein for carnivores. Omnivorous fish have it best because they have many more options for suitable food items.
How to tell if a fish is overfeeding?
The term “overfeeding” means feeding more food than your fish needs or wants to eat in one feeding. Even hobbyists who only feed once a day or every other day can be guilty of overfeeding if the food is not completely consumed in less than 2 or 3 minutes. Here are some tell-tale signs of overfeeding: 1 Uneaten food remains in the aquarium after 5 minutes, but the fish show no interest in it. In extreme cases, a fuzzy or cottony white fungus may begin to grow on the bottom or on decorations and plants. 2 Aquarium water is cloudy or hazy and has a foul odor to it. Foam or froth may be present on the surface. 3 Filter media becomes clogged in a matter of days after cleaning. 4 Excessive algae growth. Even with proper filtration and water changes, nitrate and phosphate accumulation from heavy feeding can contribute to excessive algae growth. 5 Ammonia or nitrite levels are elevated. 6 Chronically high nitrates or low pH.
How long does it take for fish to overfeed?
Even hobbyists who only feed once a day or every other day can be guilty of overfeeding if the food is not completely consumed in less than 2 or 3 minutes. Here are some tell-tale signs of overfeeding: Uneaten food remains in the aquarium after 5 minutes, but the fish show no interest in it.
Why are omnivores better than predators?
Omnivorous fish have it best because they have many more options for suitable food items. Predators and specialized feeders eat more when food is abundant, but when it isn’t several days may pass between meals.
How to feed frozen food to turkey?
When feeding frozen foods, dispense food a little at a time using a turkey baster or large syringe to make sure everyone gets some. Drop a little food at the surface for top feeders and gently squirt some lower into the water column for mid-water and bottom feeders.
What fish have higher metabolic rates?
Small active fish like danios and newly hatched fry have higher metabolic rates and should be fed frequently, especially when kept at warmer temperatures. Water temperature regulates fishes’ metabolisms and influences how often and how much they need to be fed.
How long do pellets stay on the surface of a fish feeder?
Flakes and some pellet foods typically linger at the surface for a minute or two before beginning a slow descent to the bottom, making them good choices for surface and mid-water feeders. Soaking dried foods or “swishing” them at the surface will help them drop faster for mid-water feeders.
What to Feed Pond Fish
To maintain a natural balance in your pond, we recommend stocking a good ratio of prey to predator fish and adding minnows from time to time. If you need help, read our pond stocking guide for tips on how to properly stock your fish.
How Much to Feed Pond Fish
The size of your pond, number of fish, and whether or not you use a pond aerator are all factors that affect how much your fish need to be fed. Aeration in the pond will allow your fish to be more active, requiring you to feed them more.
When to Feed Pond Fish
Water temperature will have an effect on how much your fish will eat. As the water temperatures start dropping in the fall, fish will eat less and will eventually stop feeding until spring when the water warms up. Only feed your game fish when the water temperature is above 50°F (10°C).
What Else Can You Feed Fish in a Pond?
Along with the commercial food and natural food found in the pond itself, you can also offer your fish human treats like torn-up chunks of stale bread or chopped fruits and vegetables. They will add a much-welcomed variety to their diets and help you clean out your refrigerator!
What's Next?
Now that you're an expert on feeding pond fish, it's time to put your knowledge to the test. Pick up some Game Fish Grower or your pond fish food of choice and help provide your fish with the supplemental nutrition they need. If you have any questions, our customer service team will be happy to help.
Appearance and Behavior
Feeder goldfish are available in various colors, including orange, red, white, black, yellow, and blueish grey. Juvenile fish have a dark grey, black, or brown hue, with golden patches on their head. Adults are orange with a gold-and-white appearance.
Feeder Goldfish Care
Feeder goldfish care is similar to other goldfish species care. They do best in a large tank with some vegetation and an open area for swimming. Keeping the fish in a bowl or small aquarium will cause the feeder goldfish stress. Ensure each feeder goldfish has 20 gallons of water to swim in.
Habitat and Tank Requirements
Feeder goldfish live in slow-moving waters with muddy bottoms and vegetation in the wild.
Diet and Feeding
Wild feeder goldfish are omnivores. Omnivores eat plants and meat. Feeder goldfish need a balanced diet of plants and protein to thrive.
Breeding
Breeding feeder goldfish in aquarium tanks is difficult. While most aquarists breed them for use as live food, doing so in a tank is challenging. Invest in a separate breeding tank. A 10–30 gallon tank is ideal.
Should You Get a Feeder Goldfish for Your Aquarium?
Feeder goldfish are brightly colored and hardy, making them an interesting addition to any tank. Remember to quarantine new fish before adding them into a community tank, as feeder goldfish often carry parasites and other contagious diseases.
What are some good foods to eat with fish?
Kale, Spinach, Sushi Seaweed, Chard, and Romaine Lettuce offer a nutritious and rich plant base for any diet. Filled with minerals and vitamins, these leafy greens mimic the natural aquatic flora loved by fish species.
What do aquarium fish eat?
Most aquarium fish for sale are omnivorous. These fish will readily eat both plant and animal matter and both should be regularly fed for continued health. In general, though, omnivores normally like plant matter, thus animal proteins are typically limited to at least 20 – 40 percent of their diet.
What do aquarium alga eaters eat?
Although these fish may still eat meat proteins occasionally, the majority of their diet will consist of plant matter. In general, it is recommended that they get 60 percent plant matter ad 40 percent animal matter in their diet.
Is garlic good for fish?
It turns out that the pungent garlic is a superfood in the fish world. In addition to its ability to stimulate the appetite of even your pickiest eaters, garlic can also maintain good fish health as well as providing anti-bacterial properties.
Is a fish herbivore or carnivore?
Okay, before we get into the fish food making part, you first need to understand what kind of eater you have. Most fishes are herbivore, a handful of pet fishes are carnivores, while a lot of them are omnivorous.
Is an aquarium fish a carnivore?
Just like herbivores, there is a handful of aquarium fish that are actually known as true carnivores. For the carnivorous species, these fish should be fed with 60 – 75 percent animal matter, and the remaining 25 – 40 percent is plant matter.
