Page 221 - Encyclopedia of Aquarium and Pond Fish, 3rd Edition

FOOD AND FEEDING 219

essential for good health. There are varieties of commercially
prepared foods that float, sink, or even stick to the sides
of the tank, to suit the feeding styles of different species. TYPES OF FOOD
Store the food in sealed containers to keep it dry and fresh. There are four main types of marine food available: dry food with
It should not be used after the manufacturer’s expiration date, added nutrients; freeze-dried and frozen live foods, such as fish
after which the vitamin content declines rapidly. A range and crustaceans; and vegetable or vegetable–based products.
of freeze-dried, frozen, and vegetarian marine fish food is
also available. Frozen foods, such as shellfish, are subjected DRY FOOD
to gamma irradiation, which makes them free from the
pathogens that may be carried in fresh foods.
Feeding time provides an opportunity to monitor the well-
being of the fish; if any loss of appetite is detected, it may be
an early indicator of illness. It is important not to overfeed, Tablets are suitable for Pellets come in two Flakes, which float and
because uneaten food may pollute the water and can poison most marine fish. They varieties: those that then sink, are ideal for
midtank fish. Varieties
can be stuck to the side
float, for surface-
the fish. Excess food should be removed from the tank as soon of the tank, to allow feeding fish, and those are available for
as the inhabitants are finished eating. fish to nibble them, or that sink, for fish that carnivorous, vegetarian,
dropped to the bottom. dwell at lower levels. and omnivorous fish.
The new tank
Not all marine fish will feed readily after being moved to a FREEZE-DRIED LIVE FOODS
new aquarium. If you are able to, observe your chosen fish
feeding prior to purchase; if they feed readily, you can be
reasonably confident that they will settle down and regain
their appetite in a day or two, especially if provided with
familiar food to encourage their appetites. If they ignore Krill feature in the Bloodworms are high Brine shrimp are
commercially prepared foods, try to disguise them in fresh natural diet of many in protein. Their small suitable for smaller
size means they will
marine creatures.
fish, including young
foods. For predatory species, place small pellets in the mouths Suitable for larger fish, be eaten not only by fry. They provide high
of frozen fish, such as lancefish, or insert them into the bodies they are high in protein fish but also by some levels of nutrients and
essential fatty acids.
and beta-carotene.
invertebrates.
of krill. Once the fish have gained an appetite for commercially
prepared foods, they will take them independently. When
choosing fish for a new tank, avoid vegetarian species, because FROZEN FOOD
at this early stage, there is little algal growth in the tank for
them to browse. Acclimatization of such species is likely to be
easier in a mature tank, once algal growth is established.
Frozen krill has a Cockles feature in the Lancefish are ideal for
higher moisture content diet of many species in larger predatory marine
than the freeze-dried the wild. As with other fish. All frozen food
form. In comparison, frozen foods, only thaw must be completely
this makes it more the required quantity defrosted before it is
palatable for the fish. for each feed. placed in the tank.
VEGETARIAN FOOD

Dried green algae Vegetable wafers are a Peas are a good source
supplement the natural commercially prepared of vitamins and fiber.
diet of herbivorous fish, food supplemented with They should be shelled
especially in new tanks vitamins. They are ideal and (if frozen) defrosted
Herbivorous fish, like this Yellow Sailfin Tang (see p.238), will where algal growth is for bottom-feeding before they are given
eat some leaf vegetables. Blanch the leaf to aid digestion then not well established. species that eat algae. to the fish.
secure it in the tank using a plastic clip or weight. This makes it
easier for the fish to eat and for leftover food to be removed.

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