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

Behavioral Genetics of the Fly, Drosophila Melanogaster, Hardcover by Dubnau,

Jessup, Maryland, 207**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$152

Behavioral Genetics of the Fly, Drosophila Melanogaster, Hardcover by Dubnau, Josh (EDT), ISBN 1107009030, ISBN-13 9781107009035, Brand New, Free shipping in the US
... more

"Wingless" Drosophila melanogaster (Fruit Fly Culture) - LIVE FEEDER INSECTS

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

$30

??PLEASE READ BEFORE PURCHASING??
(WHAT YOU RECEIVE)
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FRUIT FLY: "Wingless" Drosophila melanogaster
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

Flightless Fruit Fly- (Hydie)

Newport, Tennessee, 378**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$17

(Hydei) Flightless Fruit Fly's are the larger variety of fruit flies and even though they are flightless they do have wings. These are the most popular feeder insects for:
Amphibians (frogs, all fish, and other aquatic amphibians) Reptiles (anoles, hatchlings, salamanders, and many other species) Insects ( Praying Mantis, Spiders, other larger insects)
Our Fruit Fly Cultures are loaded with fly's for feeding immediately when you receive your culture, and save plenty for later! The best ... more

Fruit Fly culture kit. Makes 10 cultures. Free shipping.

Gadsden, Alabama, 359**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$35

This kit contains 10 cups / lids, media that works for both Hydei and Melangaster flies, and excelsior In each 32 oz cup add 1 / 2 cup of media, pour 3 / 4 cup of boiling filtered water, mix well. When media is mixed well add excelsior and cover with lid. Please wait for media to cool before adding in your flies (not included in kit). Keep at room temperature.... more

Flightless Fruit Fly Cultures 4 Pack+ 4 Pack of Hydei Total of 8 CULTURES

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

$65

This 4 pack of Flightless Fruit Fly cultures + 4 Pack of Hydei is the perfect addition to any reptile or dart frog owner's collection. These cultures provide a nutritious and tasty food source for your pets without the hassle of dealing with live insects. The flies are easy to maintain and will last for several weeks, ensuring that your pets are well-fed and healthy.
With free shipping included, this is a great deal that you don't want to miss out on. Whether you're a seasoned reptile owner ... more