Fish

Saltwater Vs Freshwater Fish

Like other living creatures, aquarium fish (saltwater and freshwater) require protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals in their diets. But because they are usually small and delicate, providing the right type of food in the correct amount is critical. And when it comes to diet, a fish is not just a fish. Some are meat-eating carnivores, some are vegetarians (aka herbivores), and some, called omnivores, will eat meat and veggies (important note: in the fish world, “meat” means seafood  — not prime rib). Before bringing fish home, be sure to determine which category yours fall into. It is OK to keep different types of fish in the same aquarium, as long as the nutritional needs of all are being met.

The fish foods most people are familiar with are those of the processed variety, sold in pet stores. Available in flakes, crumbs, tablets and pellets, these foods are made with the size and species of particular fish in mind, so don’t simply pick one out and drop it in the tank, thinking it will suit all 22 fish (a tiny tetra won’t have much luck with a pellet made for a full-grown Angelfish). Instead, read labels and get the right food for size and species. However, don’t rely on processed food alone for a saltwater aquarium. Saltwater fish benefit significantly if their diet is supplemented with fresh and live foods, like green veggies (spinach, lettuce), brine (aka saltwater) shrimp and, for some, earthworms and guppies. Freshwater fish, however, will do just fine on a diet of commercially-made fish food.

But figuring out what to feed fish is the simple part — learning how much to offer is where it gets tricky. One rule of thumb: if the fish can’t consume all the food within a five-minute period, scale back (overfeeding can be dangerous, even life threatening). In general, feed your fish twice a day (this can vary, so be sure to ask an expert about your specific fish) and always leave the food in the same location.