Have you ever wondered what a fish’s favorite dish is? Well, the answer to that is not straightforward. So in this article we are trying over best to gave you answer of this question. What do Fish Eat?
There are way too many types of fishes. Plus, they have different sizes. Some are humongous, while others are at a few millimeters length.
So, it makes sense for them to have different appetites. Also, they rely on different types of food to stay alive. We can divide the types of fishes based on the food they eat.
So, without further ado, let’s find out what to feed your fish.
What are the fish’s nutritional requirements?
We, humans, decide our food based on our lifestyle. If you are one for physical fitness, you’d eat healthy, fruits, and vegetables.
Interestingly, the same is the case with fishes. They have their food based on their requirements. Some fishes feed on other fishes. However, some never do that.
Fishes need carbohydrates, fats, proteins, a few minerals, and vitamins. However, the quantity depends on the size of the fish, habitat, and whether the fish is herbivore, carnivore, or omnivore.
Let’s look at what they eat one by one.
Carnivores
Carnivorous fishes, or simply carnivores, feed on other fishes, insects, crabs, or other animals. They have sharp teeth and huge mouths for doing that.
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Also, they are large and have bigger stomachs than the other two types. So, they need a large number of proteins, which they get from dead or alive fishes. While other fishes might need little proteins, carnivores require 50% to 75% of it in their diet.
Carnivores don’t need that many carbs as they are unable to digest it all the way. So, they eat very little of the plants.
The species that eat other animals are the Pipefish, Killifish, Bettas, Arowanas, and the Cichlids. Their sharp and pointy teeth easily grab their prey, and provide a frightening sight!
What to feed: Insects, worms, live, frozen, or cooked fishes, and shrimps.
Herbivores
As they are the vegetarians of the sea, herbivores rely on plants and algae to be their food. They could also feed on fruits and vegetables if there were any in the seas and oceans.
Herbivores lack a proper stomach, so it makes sense for them to eat something indigestible. The plants are rich in fibers and carbohydrates. Moreover, their special flat teeth serve their purpose for the efficient grinding of their food.
There are very few herbivore fishes out there. Examples of them are the surgeonfish and parrotfish.
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Larger fishes feed on these fishes. However, herbivores play a role in the food chain by limiting the population of algae, plants, and coral reefs.
In an aquarium, it can be hard to manage their diet as there are not enough plants. However, you can still keep one by feeding them right.
What to feed: Plants, leaves, algae wafers, vegetables, and fruits.
Omnivores
Omnivores have traits similar to, or in between, carnivores and herbivores. They are fishes that can eat both plants and meat.
Although their protein requirement is low, it has to be 40% which is way more than herbivores.
Batfish, Catfish, and Piranhas are some examples of omnivores.
What to feed:You can feed them both the foods of carnivores and herbivores.
FAQs
1. Are piranha’s omnivores or carnivores?
Contrary to popular belief, piranhas are omnivores. Primarily, they feed on animals. However, they eat almost everything you give them.
2. How often should you feed your fish?
If you give your fish too much and too often, then it will affect the water. Also, it will be harmful for the fish. It is best for the fish’s health to feed it the right amount twice a day.
If you want to read more about Fishes please visit petshoods.