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

10 PCS 32 OZ Deli Cups With Fabric Vented Lids Fruit Fly Culture

Knoxville, Tennessee, 379**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$34

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32oz Deli Cups with Fabric Vented Lids, Fruit Fly Culture Cups and Fabric Lined Lids, Fruit Flies Feeder Culture Containers Prevent Escapes - 10 PackProduct Overview
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WINGLESS DROSOPHILA MELANOGASTER AND HYDEI FRUIT FLIES CULTURES 32oz.

Wheeling, Illinois, 600**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$15

WINGLESS DROSOPHILA MELANOGASTER FRUIT FLY CULTURE 32oz
DROSOPHILA HYDEI FRUIT FLY CULTURE 32oz
Wingless Drosophila Melanogaster Fruit Fly Culture is ideal to feed, praying mantis, small frogs, small reptiles and amphibians
Fruit flies' cultures generally keep at 70F - 78F temperature. Humidity 60-80%
Drosophila Hydei Fruit Fly Culture is also ideal for praying mantis, small frogs, small reptiles and amphibians
They are a bit large than D. melanogaster. Fruit flies' ... view on ebay

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 ... view on ebay

Drosophila Concentrate for Breeding Fruit Flies 1000g / 35 27oz

Brentwood, New York, 117**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$59

Produces plentiful quantities of fruit flies
Amazingly fast development
Superior fruit fly culture food... view on ebay

Fruit Fly Culture Golden Hydei Melongaster 6 Pack Reptile & Dart Frog Food LIVE

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

$57

6 pack Melongaster Wingless Fruit Flies
Live fruit flies are a great option for feeding small lizards and many species of frogs, especially because of their reproduction cycle. Each culture of flightless fruit flies has a lifespan of about one month, and even after they die, they will continually pupate from eggs laid by the adults in the culture! This will allow you to keep fruit flies for a while, as long as they are taken care of accurately
Regular fruit flies should be ... view on ebay