Killifish

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
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.

Nothobranchius virgatus feeding on Drosophila larvae
Nothobranchius virgatus Fula A Zarga SUD 98 feeding on Drosophila larvae
Cute fish look evil from above
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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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 ... more

MELANOGASTER Josh's Frogs Fruit Fly Media 3 Pound Bag HYDEI Formula

Kyle, Texas, 786**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$62

MELANOGASTER Josh's Frogs Fruit Fly Media 3 Pound Bag HYDEI Formula
* Fruit flies are enjoyed by small frogs, lizards, spiders, scorpions, tropical fish, and many others!
Best producing fruit fly media on the market
Healthy fruit flies lead to healthy herps
Fruit Fly media is full of vitamins and color enhancers from natural sources
please view all pictures, ships super fast and secure
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The #1 killer of fruit fly ... more

Fruit Fly Culture Flightless 3 Pack Lizard And Dart Frog Food Live

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

$28


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 kept at 70 - 75 degrees
The flies have ... more

Golden Hydei Fruit Fly Culture - Hocks Herps LLC

York Haven, Pennsylvania, 173**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$11

This Golden Hydei Fruit Fly Culture from Hocks Herps LLC is perfect for feeding your reptiles. It contains a high volume of nutritious flies that your pets will love. The culture is easy to maintain and comes with all the necessary supplies.

The product is ideal for reptile owners who want to provide their pets with a healthy and tasty diet. The flies are bred in a controlled environment to ensure quality and freshness. Get your Golden Hydei Fruit Fly Culture today and give your ... more

Fruit Fly Culture 3Pack Variety Live Flightless, Turkish Gliders, & Golden Hydei

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

$25

Introducing a pack of four fruit fly cultures, specially designed for reptile supplies. These live cultures are brought to you by Crazy Frog Lady L L.C. and are perfect for feeding your pets. You will receive a variety of Turkish Gliders, Golden Hydei, and Flightless fruit flies in this pack.
The high-quality brand ensures that your pets get the best nutrition. These cultures are suitable for pet owners looking for fresh and healthy food for their reptiles. So, if you are looking for a new ... more