| If you want your aquarium fish to live a long and | | | | them to your fish. Other popular frozen foods for |
| happy life, be sure that you are feeding them a | | | | fish include brine shrimp or krill. Larger fish also |
| high-quality diet that is appropriate for their needs. | | | | enjoy earthworms and other worm species, |
| A large canister of fish flakes is not the | | | | which can be found at your local aquarium supply |
| appropriate food for all fish. A proper diet with | | | | store. Large predatory fish enjoy eating small |
| strengthen the immune system of your fish, | | | | feeder fish, which is a natural food source for this |
| stimulating growth and activity. The often | | | | type of fish. |
| overlooked step of choosing the right type of fish | | | | Although high in protein, these options do not |
| food is crucial to the health of your aquarium. | | | | provide a balanced diet, and should not be the |
| There is a surprising variety of fish food choices | | | | only food source. Instead, they should be used in |
| available. | | | | rotation, adding variety to your fish's diet. Like |
| Dry fish food choices include pellets, granules, | | | | people, they will grow tired of eating the same |
| flakes, and wafers. Each is formulated for a | | | | foods every day. Live or frozen foods can also |
| particular diet; some are based on plant materials, | | | | be used to supplement dried pellets or flakes. |
| while others contain mainly animal or fish products. | | | | Fish that are herbivores tend to enjoy nibbling |
| Some are fortified with vitamins or minerals, or | | | | throughout the day, rather than eating large meals |
| are formulated to develop brighter colors in your | | | | at specified times. An aquarium with real plants |
| tropical fish. Choose your dry fish food based on | | | | provides a valuable food source. Herbivores also |
| the species of fish. While dry foods are easy to | | | | enjoy eating spinach leaves, zucchini, cucumber, or |
| store and use, they may not be the best | | | | peas, placed directly in the aquarium. Let these |
| nutritional option. Remember that the first | | | | vegetables float in the tank for an hour or two |
| ingredient listed on the food packaging is the | | | | before removing them. Some dried foods, |
| primary ingredient. Avoid fish foods containing | | | | particularly algae wafers, are also good choices |
| cornmeal or other ingredients that are not a | | | | for herbivores. |
| natural food source for your fish. Feeding your | | | | When choosing the healthiest foods for your fish, |
| fish poor quality foods will increase the amount of | | | | make sure that your choice reflects your fish's |
| waste in the tank, reducing the water quality. | | | | nutritional requirements, and don't forget to |
| Small fish may do fine on fish flakes, though | | | | provide variety. A diet of dry fish food may not |
| larger tropical fish require a specialized diet, and it | | | | be enough. A balanced diet, chosen in |
| is nearly always a much healthier option. If your | | | | consideration of the type of fish in your aquarium, |
| fish is a carnivore or omnivore, their food source | | | | will ensure that your fish have a chance to thrive. |
| should include meat. Frozen bloodworms, small red | | | | Be sure that you can commit to the unique |
| mosquito larvae, are a very nutritious option for | | | | dietary needs of each fish species before |
| these fish. They are sold frozen into small blocks | | | | selecting the fish for your new freshwater |
| that look like ice cubes, making it easy to feed | | | | aquarium. |