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
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York Haven, Pennsylvania, 173**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$18
Drosophila Hydei (also known as hydei) are likely the most common fruit fly and measure about 1 / 8 of an inch.
For best results store at 75-78°F and 60-80% humidity
This producing culture will be ready to feed from in 3-5 days after arrival.
Live arrive is guaranteed when you select Heat / Cold pack.
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Dover, Pennsylvania, 173**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$28
32 oz Drosophila Melanogaster "Turkish Glider" Fruit Fly Culture 3-Pack
Our Fruit Flies are made with Repashy
Turkish Glider Melanogaster are the smallest size of fruit flies at 1 / 16 "
Turkish Glider Melanogaster are a winged and slightly darker than the Golden Wingless Melanogaster
This winged form of melanogaster can 'glide' short distances making for a more active feeder enticing even the pickiest of eaters
Turkish Gliders produce fast and consistently with ...
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Xenia, Ohio, 453**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$15
What You??re Buying
Live, producing Black Hydei flightless fruit fly culture. Cultures ship fresh and are ideal for reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, and small insectivores
Why Golden Hydei
Black hydei are larger than melanogaster and ideal for pets that need a slightly bigger feeder
Culture Notes
Cultures require 7??14 days after arrival to become fully productive. Plan feedings accordingly
Shipping & Handling
Shipped carefully with insulation when required. Live ...
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Cleveland, Georgia, 305**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$40
??PLEASE READ BEFORE PURCHASING??
(WHAT YOU RECEIVE)
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FRUIT FLY: "Golden" 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 ...
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San Diego, California, 921**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$10
Buy Drosophila melanogaster Wingless Fruit Fly Cultures - Ideal Feeder Insects for Reptiles & Amphibians
Searching for the perfect live feeder insect for your small reptiles and amphibians? Our Drosophila melanogaster wingless fruit fly cultures are the top choice for feeding dart frogs, baby chameleons, mantises, and other small insectivores. These wingless fruit flies are easy to manage and provide a nutritious, protein-rich diet essential for your petâs health and growth
Why ...
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