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

NEKTON Drosophila Breeding Concentrate 1000g Fruit Fly Culture Food Germany

South Gate, California, 902**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$40

Condition:
New

Item Specifics:

* Brand: NEKTON
* Model: Drosophila Breeding Concentrate
* Type: Fruit Fly Culture Food
* Weight: 1000g (35 27 oz)
* Country / Region of Manufacture: Germany
* Intended For: Drosophila (Fruit Fly) Cultures
* Suitable For: Reptile, Amphibian, and Insect Feed Breeding
* MDD: 2028-01-18

Description:
New sealed container of NEKTON-Drosophila breeding concentrate. Complete feed concentrate designed for breeding... view on ebay

Flightless Fruit Fly Culture Hocks Herps - Melanogaster (Producing)

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

$22

Drosophila melanogaster (also known as melanogaster) are likely the most common fruit fly and measure about 1 / 16 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.... 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

Sticky Fruit Fly Traps, Yellow Gnat Killer Trap use for Indoor Outdoor, 18 pcs

State College, Pennsylvania, 168**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$10

Sticky Fruit Fly Traps, Yellow Gnat Killer Trap use for Indoor Outdoor, 18 pcs.

Actual picture of my sticky trap after one day conquering a gnat infestation
... view on ebay

Repashy Superfly Fruit Fly Culture Media Bearded Dragon Crested Gecko Reptile

Danville, New Hampshire, 038**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$30

Repashy Superfly is an Instant Formula for Drosophila Culture. This Premium Mixture is fortified with Minerals, Trace Elements, Vitamins, and Carotenoids in order to Maximize the Nutritional Value of Fruit Flies when they are used as feeders. DIRECTIONS: To make a typical Repashy Superfly culture (32 oz. size deli container) add between 3 tablespoons (typical when using boiling water) and 4 tablespoons (typical when using hot tap water) SuperFly media to 2 / 3 cup prepared water and stir until ... view on ebay