FEEDING FISH - 7 TIPS FOR OPTIMAL FISH NUTRITION

How often and how much food should I feed my fish? This is one of the most common questions about fish nutrition.

When it comes to the amount, it's better to feed too little than too much at once. The general rule is: only feed as much as the animal can consume in a short period of time. If you have a fish that looks thin, plan to feed it several times in one day rather than giving it larger portions.

We also have the following tips for optimal fish nutrition:

#1 Feed a varied diet

Who would have thought it? Of course, a varied diet is the best solution to prevent deficiencies in vitamins, minerals or trace elements. That's why a mixed diet of live, frozen and dry food is ideal. When it comes to frozen food, make sure you use high-quality products and rinse it thoroughly with fresh water before feeding it to your animals.

#2 Supply of polyunsaturated fatty acids (Omega-3)

This is primarily about the supply of EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). Both are essential, ie they cannot be synthesized by fish themselves. It is therefore important to obtain them through food. In addition to commercial products from various feed manufacturers, omega-3 fatty acids can be found in algae or fish oils as well as in squid or krill and should be part of a healthy fish diet (in whatever form).

Lipo-Garlic from Tropic Marin is one way to provide your fish with valuable omega-3 fatty acids. As a nutritional supplement, it should not be used daily, but rather weekly, for example.

#3 Avoid too many fats

Unsaturated fatty acids are important, but too much fat can put a strain on the liver in particular and cause organ damage. Young fish need a little more fat (10-20%) than adult fish (5-10%). The largest proportion of protein in the food should be proteins (40-55%).

#4 Keep an eye on the shelf life of dry food

Dry food should be bought in small packages if possible and consumed quickly. Important vitamins or fatty acids can oxidize quickly and thus no longer have their positive effects. Dark, cool and dry storage can significantly extend the shelf life of dry food and is definitely recommended.

#5 Use supplementary feed sparingly

If the diet is varied and good (see point 1), nutritional supplements are not really necessary and can even be harmful. For example, an overdose can cause growth disorders. So if you resort to supplements, only use them occasionally.

#6 Many small portions are better than one large feeding

If possible, feed several small portions throughout the day. Many aquarium fish are "constant feeders", so it is most natural to feed them several times a day. This also reduces the nutrient load in the water. An automatic feeder or a good division of labor, for example within your family, can help with this. By the way: taking a fasting day every now and then has never harmed a fish.

Surgeonfish like Zebrasoma flavescens are "constant feeders" and in nature they constantly graze on algae growth. In the aquarium they should therefore be given small portions several times a day.

#7 Consider your fish’s feeding habits

When it comes to fish, a basic distinction is made between herbivores (“algae eaters”), carnivores (“meat eaters”) and omnivores (“everything eaters”). Find out which group your fish belong to. For example, the proportion of algae and plant food in surgeonfish should be very high. Also note that there are fast and slow eaters, as well as animals with small and large mouths and different “feeding depths” (surface vs. near the bottom). They all want something. So pay attention to different food sizes, types and feeding times.

Now you know the most important points about fish nutrition. We hope your fish enjoy their meal!