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

Repashy SuperFoods Superfly 17 6 oz. (1 1 lb) Jar Fruit Fly Culture Media

Seminole, Florida, 337**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$42

Repashy SuperFoods Superfly 17 6 oz. (1 1 lb) Jar Fruit Fly Culture Media
Repashy SuperFoods SuperFly 17 6 oz (1 1 Lb) Jar FRUIT FLY CULTURE MEDIAItem Details
Additional FeaturesFruit Fly Culture Media with Enhanced Nutritional ValueAge Range DescriptionAll Life StagesAnimal Food Diet TypeVegetarianBrand NameRepashyBreed RecommendationInstant Formula for Drosophila Culture, Fruit Fly Culture MediaContainer TypeTubDate First AvailableJune 6, 2024FlavorCinnamonItem FormPowderItem Weight1 1 ... view on ebay

Premium Melanogaster Fruit Fly Food Media - 3 lbs / 2 7 Quarts for Breeding

Andover, Massachusetts, 018**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$68

High-Quality Fruit Fly Culture Media
Unlock the potential of your cultures with our premium fruit fly media, designed to enhance growth and yield. Here??s why you??ll love it:
Produces High Yields: Your cultures will thrive, generating multiple generations of flies. Contains Vitamins & Color Enhancers: Healthy feeders lead to vibrant and colorful critters! Great Smelling Formula: Enjoy a fresh and clean scent with our natural ingredients. Many Pets ... view on ebay

!!GOLDEN MORPH COMBO!! - Mel. & Hydei Flightless Fruit Fly - LIVE FEEDER INSECT

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

$70

??PLEASE READ BEFORE PURCHASING??
(WHAT YOU RECEIVE)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Name: "Golden" Drosophila melanogaster (x1 CULTURE)
"Golden" Drosophila hydei (x1 CULTURE)
Sizes: Flies, Larva & Eggs
Count: 50+ Per Culture (will produce prolifically)
Sex: M / F
WITH EXTREME TEMPS THERE WILL ONLY BE
LIVE ARRIVAL GUARANTEE WHEN UPGRADE TO
EXPRESS MAIL OR IN TEMPS BETWEEN 0 - 85F
(CULTURE ... view on ebay

Fruit Fly Combo | 5 Species Hydei, Melanogaster, Golden, Normal & Turkish

Huntsville, Texas, 773**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$38

Give your animals more feeder variety with this convenient 5 Species Fruit Fly Combo. This bundle includes a great mix of popular fruit fly cultures, making it an excellent choice for hobbyists, breeders, and keepers who want multiple feeder options in one order
With a range of sizes and varieties, this combo is ideal for feeding dart frogs, small reptiles, amphibians, slings, and other insect-eating pets that do best with smaller live feeders
Culture Types Included in This ... view on ebay

Turkish Gliders Fruit Fly 4 PACK cultures Dart Frog Food Reptile Food

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

$30

This package contains four cultures of Turkish Gliders Fruit Fly, perfect for feeding your pet reptiles, including dart frogs. These fruit flies are a delicious and nutritious food source that will keep your pets healthy and happy
Each culture contains a large number of fruit flies, ensuring that you will have enough food for your pets for a while. The package is designed for pet owners who are looking for a high-quality food source for their pets
... view on ebay