feeding large fish?

Question

is it okay to feed large fish goldfish? or live feeder fish?
or is it against the law?

Answer 1

No it's not against the law, but if you lived in NYC, I certianly wouldn't go telling you to go feed fish out of that water to your fish either. If you consider the pollution levels in the local water, I think you'd not even find many people that know anything at all about health eating fish caught in the local waters of that area, let alone any body of water around a major city. I am sure you could well find other sources of food for your fish besides feeders. There are not that many fish, tank kept mostly, that will only eat other fish. There are some that just do it by habit, but a pure predator fish that targets, stalks and feeds only on other fish are not extensive in most home aquariums, and fish that will eat other fish can be tailored to other diets that are more safe. All in all, much like people, a varied diet is beneficial to the overall health of your fish as well. Krill is a very good source of food accepted by many fish that would eat feeders, as well as bloodworms and an assortment of insects as well as pellets. Try mixing up your fish's diet and see how much better it will thrive.

JV

Answer 2

Betta has some good advice if you're talking about feeding freshwater fish. If you're feeding saltwater fish, you shouldn't use goldfish at all. They have a higher content of body fat, and can lead to the premature death of saltwater species. You can convert guppies to saltwater by adding marine salt to their tank slowly - either by the teaspoon every so often, or by using the drip method described here: http://www.fishlore.com/acclimating-tropicalfish.htm I use a flow valve on aquarium tubing to adjust the flow, just be sure not to overfill their container. Some people have acclimated in as little as 4 days, but I take my time and spread this out over a week. The acclimated guppies will breed in saltwater just as they do in fresh, so you can have a continuous supply. These are still a freshwater fish, however, so you should work on switching a saltwater fish that eats these to frozen silversides or shrimp as soon as possible.

NOTE: What people above have said about the nutritional value of some feeders is true. Goldfish are probably the worst from a nutritional standpoint. If you can get them (and you can breed these as well, but it takes more work because they're egglayers) the best are rosy red minnows. And a varied diet is the best thing for the health of your fish.

Answer 3

it is legal, but a bad idea generlly.

Only if you know the risk may it be worth it to you to feed them live foods.

The problem is think about it, feeder fish are usually shipped 500 -1000 fishes in one bag, so being in one bag with that many fishes, chances are that yo can catch an illness.

THats why feeding live foods like feeder goldfish is generlly not a good idea, unless you know a breeder or breed your own.

You can lose a 400 dollar fish on a stupid thing like a .12cent goldfish.

Most fishes will not need live foods, they can be taken off of it. While once and awhile it is ok to give them a live food, everyday is like walking on a thin rope over a building.

Edit: Thank you for the agreement, about time someone does.

Anyway, they dont relly have that much goodness unless they are fed with good foods which most petstores dont do.

Plus think about it, in the wild most predator fishes have never saw a goldfish before. My large mouth bass hasn't but he will eat them.

Feeder guppies are better, but not by alot.

Heres a tip, try check your local bait and tackle store, might be expensive, but generally alot healthier. Nightcrawlers and worms etc..

Shinners are good for larger fishes, but expensive.

I live in NY and i live on the water, so i trap my own saltwater killies. I sell them to the bait shops, but i also use them for feeding my predators. They are alot hardier.

But again depending on where you live that might not be an opition for you.

But try looking at a bait and tackle store.

Edit: i dont live in NYC..

i live on long island, our water ways are better, trust me, no one cares for MY fish better than i do.

Answer 4

Ditto to betta

Plus i researched that some feeder fish do not have any nutrious value to it it is only for the excitement of saeeing your fish chase after it.

Answer 5

No, most people feed their larger fish small goldfish or guppies.

Answer 6

It's legal, most pet stores sell feeder fish for this purpose.