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Published on: 20 March 2017

Fish food is one the most vital things to be taken into consideration when keeping fish; both the quality and quantity of food needed.

A variety of food should be made available to fish in an aquarium. Aquarium fish food could be in the form of dry feed, freeze-dried or frozen fish diets, to live feed. In addition fresh vegetables like spinach and celery should be given to fish. This is especially so when one feeds plant-eating species to ensure their nutritional needs are met and balanced. 

The fish food normally contains nutrients and vitamins to keep fish in good health. Dietary deficiencies can cause fish diseases, so providing the correct diet is essential for fish growth and health.  

The most common dry fish feed that is used in aquarium is flakes and floating or sinking pellets. Fish flakes are an artificially-manufactured feed consumed by both freshwater and saltwater fish. It is suitably for top feeders and mid-water fish; although bottom feeders will always consume flakes once they have settled at the bottom of the tank. Live feed is the best diet supplement as it is natural and healthy. The most preferred live feed to use in aquaria are mosquito larvae, daphnia, brine shrimps and bloodworms. The mentioned live feed is very easy to culture and they are suitably for the larvae and young to adult fish that require high protein diet. 

By: Irene Swana, Conservator, NZG

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