Talk with your Animals

Having aquatic pets at home can be a source of fun and fulfillment. However, you need to take good care of the health of your fish first and foremost. You have to make sure that they thrive in a healthy environment and that they are being fed with the right fish food.

Choosing between live fish food and commercial food

Pet stores sell a wide variety of fish food, from live foods to frozen dried foods. Whether you have saltwater fish or tropical fish, choosing dry fish food is a convenient, affordable, and healthy option. Many dry fish foods come in the form of pellets, granules, and sticks, among others.

One of the biggest advantages in using dry foods is the longer shelf life. Because they lack moisture, you don’t have to worry about quality degradation and spoilage. Also, dry fish foods tend to float on the surface, making them ideal for top dwellers and species that love to stay mid-water.

Live fish food, on the other hand, is a treat for many fish types, although live fish food is quite expensive compared to prepared foods. Water fleas, white worms, brine shrimp, and earthworms are just some of the live foods found in many pet shops. You need to be careful with live food, however, as some of them may come with diseases.

The right way to feed your fish

Different fish species have different feeding requirements so getting the needed information first of all is very important. You should know whether your fish is a herbivore, carnivore, or an omnivore. Once you understand what your fish actually needs, you will know which fish food to pick when visiting your pet store.

Remember that different species of fish have different eating habits. Certain types are surface feeders, while others prefer to graze at the bottom of the tank. Dry foods are ideal for top dwellers, but they are also best for bottom-feeders, since pellets and granules tend to sink to the bottom eventually.

Fish food quality and freshness

Fish food normally contains fat, carbohydrates, and proteins so look out for the labels when buying commercially available fish food for your aquatic pets. Fat gives your fish the energy to move around, while proteins are essential for their bodily functions.

Don’t forget to maintain a balanced diet for your fish as well, which can be achieved by combining dry fish food with live food.

Jeffry Johnston is a pet store owner and operator and an aquarium enthusiast who likes to help others be successful in raising their fish as well. He is a member and guest speaker at many aquarium clubs, as well as having a few very large tanks of his own. To learn more about fish food and fish tank maintenance, please go to marinedepot.com.