Lfish feed plays a crucial role in their health, growth, and stability of your aquatic ecosystem. Providing a balanced and adapted food for each species keeps your fish healthy, avoids deficiencies and reduces water pollution. Here is a complete guide on good practices to feed your aquarium fish.
1. Understanding the food needs of fish
Aquarium fish have specific dietary needs depending on their species, size and lifestyle. It is important to know the diet of each species to provide them with the nutrients they need.
The three main categories of fish according to their diet:
- Carnivorous fish : They feed primarily on animal proteins, such as small insects, crustaceans or other fish. Examples: Betta, Oscar, carnivorous catfish.
- Herbivorous fish : They need a diet rich in plants, such as algae and plants. Examples: Surgical fish, plecostomus.
- Omnivorous fish : They consume both animal and plant proteins. Most freshwater aquarium fish are omnivorous, such as Guppy, Platy, Molly or Neon.
Importance of food balance:
Each type of fish needs a balanced mixture of protein, of Fat, of carbohydrates, of fibre, of vitamins and minerals for optimal growth and good health. Adapting diet according to the specific diet of your fish is essential to avoid deficiencies and diseases.
2. Types of food for aquarium fish
There are different types of fish food for aquarium fish, each adapted to specific species and diets. Here are the main types of food you can use to feed your fish.
A. Flocon
The flakes are the most common food for aquarium fish. They are available in a wide variety of compositions, and can be adapted for omnivorous, carnivorous or herbivorous fish.
- Benefits : Easy to dose, float on the surface, perfect for fish that feed on the surface.
- Disadvantages : Flakes can lose nutrients by dissolving too quickly. They are not always suitable for groundfish.
B. The granules
The granules are another type of popular food. Unlike flakes, they flow faster, making them more suitable for fish that feed in the middle or bottom of the aquarium.
- Benefits : Rich in nutrients, better for groundfish or those who prefer to feed mid-height.
- Disadvantages : Granules can flow too fast for some surface fish.
C. Tablets and pellets
The tablets or pellets are specially designed for groundfish (such as Corydoras or plecostomus). They flow immediately to the bottom of the aquarium.
- Benefits : Perfect for fish that feed at the bottom, slow release of nutrients.
- Disadvantages : Not suitable for surface fish or small fish.
D. Lyophilized foods
The freeze-dried foods, such as vaseworms, shrimp or daphnia, are dehydrated while maintaining their nutrients. They are often used to vary the diet of fish.
- Benefits : Rich in protein, can replace living food without risk of contamination.
- Disadvantages : Can not be suitable for all species if given in excess.
E. Living food
The live food includes worms, daphnia, artemias and other small living organisms. It is an excellent complement for carnivorous and omnivorous fish.
- Benefits : Very nutritious, stimulates fish hunting instincts.
- Disadvantages : May introduce parasites or diseases into the aquarium if not properly controlled.
F. Fresh vegetables
For herbivorous fish, some fresh vegetables such as zucchini, the Spinachor cucumbers can be an excellent dietary supplement.
- Benefits : Rich in fiber, very natural for herbivorous fish.
- Disadvantages : Need to be prepared and removed from aquarium quickly to avoid decomposition.
3. Frequency and amount of power
Excessive food in an aquarium can lead to water pollution, while insufficient food can weaken your fish. It is therefore important to measure well and respect good feeding practices.
A. Feed frequency
- Adult fish : Most adult fish should be fed once or twice a day. This helps meet their energy needs without overnourishing.
- Young fish : Young fish, in times of growth, may require three to four meals a day to support their development.
- Special species : Some species, including herbivorous fish, may need to be fed more frequently with small amounts throughout the day, as their metabolism is faster.
B. Quantity to be given
- Small quantities : It is recommended to give your fish a quantity they can consume in 2-3 minutes. If food stays in the aquarium beyond this time, remove it to avoid polluting water.
- Do not overfeed : Overfeed can lead to the accumulation of organic waste, which decomposes into ammonia, a compound toxic to fish. It is better to undernourish slightly than overnourish.
4. Variation in power supply
Une alimentation variée est essentielle pour s’assurer que vos poissons reçoivent tous les nutriments nécessaires. La répétition d’un seul type de nourriture peut entraîner des carences nutritionnelles.
How to vary power supply:
- Alterner les types de nourriture : Variez entre les flocons, granulés, comprimés et nourriture vivante/lyophilisée pour offrir un régime équilibré.
- Intégrer des légumes : Pour les poissons herbivores, proposez des légumes frais comme complément alimentaire une à deux fois par semaine.
- Ajoutez des vitamines : Certaines nourritures peuvent être enrichies en vitamines et minéraux pour combler les carences potentielles. Vous pouvez également ajouter des compléments vitaminés à la nourriture si nécessaire.
5. Avoid common errors
Voici quelques erreurs fréquentes à éviter lors de l’alimentation des poissons d’aquarium :
A. Suralimenter les poissons
Comme mentionné plus haut, une alimentation excessive est une erreur courante. Cela peut entraîner des maladies chez les poissons (comme la constipation ou l’obésité) et polluer l’eau en augmentant les niveaux d’ammoniac et de nitrates.
B. Donner une nourriture inadaptée
Tous les poissons n’ont pas les mêmes besoins alimentaires. Donner des flocons standard à des poissons carnivores ou herbivores stricts peut entraîner des carences. Assurez-vous d’offrir une nourriture adaptée à chaque espèce.
C. Oublier de retirer les restes de nourriture
Leaving food not consumed in the aquarium can lead to an accumulation of organic debris, which alters water quality and promotes the proliferation of algae and bacteria.
D. Do not consider the specific needs of each fish
Each species of fish has special dietary needs based on its natural diet, size and age. Ignoring these needs can cause deficiencies, stress and disease in fish.
6. Observe fish behaviour during feeding
Watch carefully the behavior of your fish while they eat to spot any signs of problem. Healthy fish should swim actively to food and eat with appetite.
Signs of potential problems:
- Loss of appetite : If a fish stops eating, it may indicate a health problem or water quality stress.
- Abnormal behaviour : If a fish stays away during feeding or seems lethargic, this may indicate a disease or imbalance in water parameters.
Summary table of good fish feeding practices
| Good practice | Practical advice |
|---|---|
| Understanding food needs | Know the diet (carnivorous, herbivorous, omnivorous) and the specific needs of each species |
| Variate food | Alternate between flakes, granules, live food, and fresh vegetables |
| Feed frequency | Feed adult fish 1-2 times a day, young fish 3-4 times a day |
| Do not overfeed | Give a quantity that fish can consume in 2-3 minutes and remove leftover food |
| Adapt food to species | Provide food tailored to the specific needs of each fish (herbivores, carnivores, omnivores) |
| Observe fish during meals | Verify that all fish eat and identify signs of illness or stress |
| Maintain clean water | Remove leftover food after meals to avoid water pollution |
Following these good feeding practices, you guarantee the health and well-being of your fish while maintaining a balanced aquarium clean. Be sure to provide a varied diet adapted to the needs of each species, ensuring that they do not overnourish and maintain a careful observation of their behaviour.
