Top 43 How To Keep Feeder Fish Alive Top 101 Best Answers

You are looking for information, articles, knowledge about the topic nail salons open on sunday near me how to keep feeder fish alive on Google, you do not find the information you need! Here are the best content compiled and compiled by the https://chewathai27.com team, along with other related topics such as: how to keep feeder fish alive feeder fish types, feeder fish for sale, feeder fish tank, feeder fish goldfish, best feeder fish, feeder fish lifespan, what are feeder goldfish used for, feeder goldfish lifespan

The average lifespan of feeder goldfish is 10–15 years. These fish can live up to 40 years under the right aquarium conditions. They are common fish and are available in aquarium stores and online pet stores.Feeder goldfish can be sickly and, in some cases, impossible to keep alive, no matter how hard you try. You can do everything right and still lose feeder goldfish, so don’t beat yourself up. It can happen to anyone! Some feeder goldfish will come home hardy and ready to take on the world.Feeder guppies are one of the best bowl fish. They are cheap, colorful, and (most importantly) stay small (4-5 cm). They live on average 3-5 years with good care (so, no long term commitment required!), need only about 4 liters of water per fish, and prefer room temperature (18-24 °C) so heater is not needed.

Care Taking & Tips

Check the water parameters just as you would your predator tank.
Do 50% water changes at least twice a month.
Make sure to feed your feeder fish first (gut load) before offering those fish to your predator.

Contents

How long can a feeder fish live?

Can you keep feeder fish?

Feeder goldfish can be sickly and, in some cases, impossible to keep alive, no matter how hard you try. You can do everything right and still lose feeder goldfish, so don’t beat yourself up. It can happen to anyone! Some feeder goldfish will come home hardy and ready to take on the world.

How long can feeder fish live in a bowl?

Feeder guppies are one of the best bowl fish. They are cheap, colorful, and (most importantly) stay small (4-5 cm). They live on average 3-5 years with good care (so, no long term commitment required!), need only about 4 liters of water per fish, and prefer room temperature (18-24 °C) so heater is not needed.

What do you feed feeder fish?

Feed the feeders until they are nice and fat. The best thing to feed them is spirulina flakes, as this will pump up the feeders with essential vegetable matter thus providing the fish that eats them with optimal nutrients. Spirulina flakes can be hard to find, so any high quality goldfish flake will work as well.

Do feeder fish need a heater?

In summary: Goldfish don’t need heaters – most of the time. If the conditions of your home or outdoor environment get too cold for either fancy or common Goldfish, you may need a heater. Remember that Goldfish are endothermic, meaning their metabolism is controlled by the external environment.

Why are my feeder fish dying?

Rapid Water Changes: In a healthy, established tank, water chemistry is carefully balanced with resident fish, plants, and bacteria. Quickly changing large quantities of the water will disrupt that chemistry and shock fish, causing death.

Do feeder fish need a filter?

Yes. Goldfish, as well as most fish, need a filter. It helps pump oxygen into the water and keeps the tank cleaner for longer. All fish need filters.

Can feeder fish survive in a pond?

Answer: “Feeder” fish are generally not a good idea for the pond. Many times they are sold as “feeders” because there is a problem with them to start with and they are not suitable for anything else. Not only will many of them die, but they may also introduce diseases and parasites into the pond.

How long can feeder fish live without food?

Don’t Feed Your Fish

As for food, freshwater fish are quite capable of going for several days without a meal. Healthy adult fish can go for a week or two without feeding. However, young fish don’t have the fat stores of adult fish and they cannot go without eating very long.

What fish can live without a filter?

Best Fish For A Bowl Without Filter

Betta fish (Use a heater)
Guppies.
White Cloud Minnows.
Blind Cave Tetras.
Salt and Pepper Corydoras.
Zebra Danios.
Ember Tetra.
Pea Pufferfish.

How long can fish live without air pump or filter?

A short answer is something like this: Fish can survive about two days without an air pump in completely still water. However, with the right kind of filter producing lots of surface water movement, an air stone may not be required at all.

How do you add oxygen to a fish bowl?

Ways To Increase Oxygen In A Fish Tank

Pouring Water From A Height. The most simple way to increase O2 and help aerate water in a fish tank is to slowly pour water from a height. …
Large Water Changes. …
Stirring The Water Manually. …
Adding Ice Cubes & Using A Fan. …
Using A Battery-powered Air Pump.

How often should you feed feeder fish?

How Often Should I Feed My Fish? For the most part, feeding your fish once or twice a day is sufficient. Some hobbyists even fast their fish one or two days a week to allow them to clear their digestive systems. Larger, more sedentary fish can go longer between meals than smaller, more active fish.

Do I need to feed feeder fish?

Feeder fish need to be fed as often as that specific type of fish would normally be fed. If you have a goldfish that you feed twice per day for two minutes at a time, and all of a sudden you are using goldfish for feeder fish, the amount and time at which you feed them does not change.

How long do feeder minnows live?

Rosy Red Minnows Facts & Overview

Category	Rating
Lifespan:	2-4 years
Size:	2-3 inches
Diet:	Omnivore
Family:	Cyprinidae

26 thg 1, 2021

How long do feeder guppies live?

Believe it or not, feeder guppies can actually live between 2-5 years given the right care. Their lifespan is dramatically shortened to just a few days or weeks due to poor water conditions and overall poor care.

How long can feeder fish live without food?

Don’t Feed Your Fish

Can feeder fish survive in a pond?

How To Use FEEDER Fish From Petsmart! (Live Feeding)

Feeder Goldfish Care Guide and Species Profile | Fishkeeping World

Article author: www.fishkeepingworld.com
Reviews from users: 14802 Ratings
Top rated: 3.8
Lowest rated: 1
Summary of article content: Articles about Feeder Goldfish Care Guide and Species Profile | Fishkeeping World Updating …
Most searched keywords: Whether you are looking for Feeder Goldfish Care Guide and Species Profile | Fishkeeping World Updating The feeder goldfish is a freshwater fish of the goldfish family. They are popular with aquarists due to their bright colors, rapid swimming, and low maintenance requirements.
Table of Contents:

Feeder Goldfish Facts & Overview

Appearance and Behavior

Feeder Goldfish Care

Habitat and Tank Requirements

Diet and Feeding

Breeding

Should You Get a Feeder Goldfish for Your Aquarium

Feeder Goldfish Care Guide and Species Profile | Fishkeeping World

Article author: petkeen.com
Reviews from users: 3188 Ratings
Top rated: 3.5
Lowest rated: 1
Summary of article content: Articles about Keeping Feeder Goldfish: Complete Guide 2022 | Pet Keen Updating …
Most searched keywords: Whether you are looking for Keeping Feeder Goldfish: Complete Guide 2022 | Pet Keen Updating If you’ve decided to bring home some feeder goldfish as friends and not food, we have all you need to know when it comes to taking care of them!
Table of Contents:

Why Do People Buy Feeder Goldfish

Keeping Feeder Goldfish What You Need to Know

Why Did My Feeder Goldfish Change Colors

Conclusion

Keeping Feeder Goldfish: Complete Guide 2022 | Pet Keen

Article author: pethelpful.com
Reviews from users: 1054 Ratings
Top rated: 4.2
Lowest rated: 1
Summary of article content: Articles about Caring for Your Goldfish in a Fish Bowl Without an Air Pump – PetHelpful Updating …
Most searched keywords: Whether you are looking for Caring for Your Goldfish in a Fish Bowl Without an Air Pump – PetHelpful Updating Contrary to popular belief, common goldfish require extensive care. Find out how to offer your goldfish the best care possible if limited by space and resources.Freshwater Pets,Fish & Aquariums,Premium
Table of Contents:

How to Take Care of a Goldfish in a Bowl

Adequate Space Requirements

Adequate Oxygenation Requirements

How to Care for Goldfish in a Bowl Without a Filter

Simple DIY Feeder Fish Breeding Setup & Care Guide

If you keep predatory fish as I do, you already know how time-consuming and costly it can be buying feeder fish. Cramming your current aquarium full of feeders can also overcrowd the tank, spike ammonia levels, and cause tank-mates to stress out and get sick.

Setting up an independent tank just for feeder fish can not only be cheaper in the long run… But be a much healthier option for your predator fish and their tank-mates. Store-bought feeder fish are usually kept in harsh conditions and could introduce disease and parasites to your predator’s aquarium.

What Are Feeder Fish?

Feeder fish is more of a simple term used to refer to cheap fish used to feed predators. Feeder fish are fed live to predator fish as a way to imitate natural feeding habits like in the wild.

Understandably, some people are against the idea of live feeding and see it as cruel and inhuman. Depending on the type of feeder fish and their health condition… It can also lead to negative effects for the predator fish consuming that fish. See more about those health concerns here What Are The Best Types Of Feeder Fish.

How To Set Up A Feeder Fish Tank

Ok, so before you start on this build, you will have to decide if you want to do 2 small tanks or 1 larger size. The reason I went with 2 10 gallon tanks is that it keeps the fry and smaller fish separate from the bigger feeders. Some bigger fish, like Molly’s, will eat the smaller fry if the tank doesn’t provide plenty of hiding space.

If you are deciding to just go with 1 tank make sure it is no less than 20 gallons and has some type of hiding spots like plants. The downfall of having hiding spots is it makes it harder for you to fish for the feeders when you are ready to remove them. Some species can be kept together with their fry as well if you are going for a 1 tank set up. Guppies, goldfish & minnows just to name a few…

Materials needed:

2 Ten Gallon Tanks or 1 Twenty Gallon Tanks – Having 2 tanks essentially makes one a breeding enclosure and the other for housing the fry. A simple divider could be used as well in a 1 tank setup to separate the fry from the larger feeder fish. https://amzn.to/2LOTmcH

or Having 2 tanks essentially makes one a breeding enclosure and the other for housing the fry. A simple divider could be used as well in a 1 tank setup to separate the fry from the larger feeder fish. https://amzn.to/2LOTmcH 1 Small Filter – It will be an essential part of keeping your feeder fish alive and healthy to have some type of filter cleaning the water. The good part is it doesn’t have to be anything fancy or expensive! https://amzn.to/2uPSz4F

– It will be an essential part of keeping your feeder fish alive and healthy to have some type of filter cleaning the water. The good part is it doesn’t have to be anything fancy or expensive! https://amzn.to/2uPSz4F 1 Five Pound Pack of Gravel – Gravel provides a more surface space for good bacteria to grow on. This is also a good idea if you plan on using plants or decorations to help conceal fry from adults. https://amzn.to/2uUIiED

– Gravel provides a more surface space for good bacteria to grow on. This is also a good idea if you plan on using plants or decorations to help conceal fry from adults. https://amzn.to/2uUIiED Plants (optional) – I use it as a nursery for growing new additional plants for my larger tanks. Having real vivarium plants also helps keep the water clean as well as give fish additional nutrients to peck at. https://amzn.to/2LNSkgU

– I use it as a nursery for growing new additional plants for my larger tanks. Having real vivarium plants also helps keep the water clean as well as give fish additional nutrients to peck at. https://amzn.to/2LNSkgU 1 Small Fish Net – It would be a good idea to have a dedicated net used for these tanks that will never be used in the main Aquarium. https://amzn.to/2LnKK0A

– It would be a good idea to have a dedicated net used for these tanks that will never be used in the main Aquarium. https://amzn.to/2LnKK0A 1 Thermostat – Temperatures should be kept between 75 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit to encourage breeding and speed the life cycle of parasites if any happen to be introduced into the tank. https://amzn.to/2mKKLge

Constructing the Feeder Fish Tank:

Let’s start by filling the feeder tanks up with water and setting up the filters for them. Once the gravel and decoration are set up, fill them with water and allow the tanks to cycle fully before adding fish and plants. After a couple of days have past and water parameters are leveled out, you can add feeder fish and plants.

What Are The Best Types Of Feeder Fish?

Now that we have our Feeder tank set up and cycled we can add our fish. There are 3 main factors to keep in mind when deciding what feeder fish to stock.

Will they breed fast enough to keep my tank stocked?

Are they high in nutritional value?

Will they grow big enough to satisfy my predator fish?

**When it comes to live feeding your predator its best to give them a variety of fish instead of just one species. Some feeder fish have nutrients others don’t, that’s why none of them score highly independently for nutritional value.

Types Of Fish

Guppies – These guys are your fastest breeding fish. what they lack in size they make up for in numbers. They are also pretty hardy fish which makes them easy to care for. Guppies make a good feeder fish for smaller predators. Bigger like Pike might just ignore them.

These guys are your fastest breeding fish. what they lack in size they make up for in numbers. They are also pretty hardy fish which makes them easy to care for. Guppies make a good feeder fish for smaller predators. Bigger like Pike might just ignore them. Mollies – Mollies are the second-fastest breeding fish on the chart. They grow extremely fast if fed right and are great for all size predators. The hardiness of these fish makes them almost appear bullet prove. not only can they survive in extremely poor water conditions.. They’re one of the only fish that can live in freshwater as well as saltwater!

Convict Cichlid – Convicts are also a popular fish to use for feeders. They mate like crazy as well but you have to be careful about keeping these guys with other species. they’re territorial and protective around their offspring. Male convicts will even fight with other males. These guys aren’t my preferred pick for feeder fish.

Minnows – Minnows are very popular feeders to by at a store, usually sold as Rosy Reds. Though I am not a fan of the poorly raised minnows kept at the store, The kind often found in local ponds and lakes are really healthy and fast-growing feeders. They are pretty tough to fish and also easy to care for.

Goldfish – Goldfish are probably the worst fish to keep as feeders. The only reason they are even on this list is for comparison purposes since people still feed them anyway. I DON’T RECOMMEND FEEDING GOLDFISH TO ANY PREDATORS… UNLESS YOU ABSOLUTELY HAVE NOTHING ELSE TO FEED THEM.

**Goldfish contain Thiaminase I, an enzyme that metabolizes and breaks down Thiamine (Vitamin B1), causing nutritional deficiency! There are many different kinds of illness that can result in nutritional deficiency!

Care Taking & Tips

Even though these are fish being kept with the intention of being fed to something bigger… It’s still very important to take good care of these fish. Their housing might not be a show worthy aquarium, feeder fish are still your pets in away.

Check the water parameters just as you would your predator tank.

Do 50% water changes at least twice a month.

Make sure to feed your feeder fish first (gut load) before offering those fish to your predator. That’s extra nutrients your bigger fish is being fed!

Good quality flake food works fine but make sure that the pieces are crumbled enough to fit in tiny fry mouth. Live Brine Shrimp are an excellent source of food to feed fry if you want to increase their growth rate and nutritional value. I made a Brine Shrimp Hatchery in addition to my feeder fish tank you can check out here.

If the feeder tank is carefully managed correctly, this will encourage mating between fish and you should have a steady supply of feeders multiplying within 6 to 8 weeks!

Breeding Feeder Fish

If water parameters are stable, breeding should happen naturally. If fish don’t appear to have spawn after 2 months, try raising the temperature slightly and check water parameters. Your fish could be stressed from overcrowding or maybe… Just maybe they have been spawning and larger fish are picking them off before you can move the fry to a holding tank. That’s why its best to have a second tank for fry or at least a one-gallon holding tank for the pregnant livebearer to move into.

Final Thoughts

After maintaining feeder tanks for some time.. I really enjoy having them in my office and watching the fry grow up right before my eyes. If I’m completely honest about my adult mollies… They actually started out as my pets for the bigger aquarium (Edens.Bow). Being such hardy fish, they helped kick off the initial cycling process in the early stages of the build. Moving them into the feeder tank was actually a decision towards keeping them safe from growing predators.

The mollies multiplied so fast I had more of them than I could even do with. So I started supplementing the fry as feeders fish. The four original adult mollies that helped put (Edens.Bow) together have earned their place in my office and will get to live out their days as happy horny little swimmers!

Whats your experience in handling feeder fish? Do you have a favorite kind I might have overlooked?

Feeder Goldfish Care Guide and Species Profile

Feeder goldfish are goldfish sold as pets and as food for predatory fish.

The comet goldfish and the common goldfish are the most widespread feeder goldfish species. The two species look similar. Both fish come in various colors, including orange, red, white, black, yellow, and blueish grey.

With their unique physical features, feeder goldfish can add a whimsical aesthetic value to an aquarium.

Feeder Goldfish Facts & Overview

Category Rating Care Level: Moderate Temperament: Not aggressive Color: Various colors, patterns, and shapes Lifespan: ~12–15 years Size: ~12 inches Diet: Omnivore Family: Cyprinidae Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons Tank Setup: Freshwater, plants, caves Compatibility: Most smaller freshwater fish

Feeder goldfish are freshwater fish that live in ponds, lakes, and slow-moving vegetated streams. Aquarists keep feeder fish on farms as food for predatory fish, which is why they are called “feeder goldfish.”

Feeder goldfish are part of the Prussian carp ancestry from the genus Cyprinus and are a cousin of the koi. They are species in the family Cyprinidae of order Cypriniformes.

Feeder goldfish and the common goldfish are native to the Lower Yangtze River in Wuhan, China. The comet goldfish is not found in the wild. Comet goldfish are a result of crossbreeding and laboratory-induced mutations.

The average lifespan of feeder goldfish is 10–15 years. These fish can live up to 40 years under the right aquarium conditions. They are common fish and are available in aquarium stores and online pet stores. Feeder goldfish cost from $0.15 to about $40, depending on availability, size, and quantity.

Appearance and Behavior

Feeder goldfish are available in various colors, including orange, red, white, black, yellow, and blueish grey. Juvenile fish have a dark grey, black, or brown hue, with golden patches on their head. Adults are orange with a gold-and-white appearance.

Feeder goldfish fins vary from long and flowing to short and pointed. They have a torpedo-shaped body which is prominent when the fish dart around the tank.

Males have flowing fins with thick, and long pectoral fins. They are also slim and appear smaller than the females. Both genders of feeder goldfish are colorful, but the males will show spots on their gills and pectoral fins during mating.

Feeder goldfish can grow up 12 inches long (30.48 cm) in an aquarium setting. Healthy fish can grow 15 inches (38.1 cm) long in their natural habitat. They weigh up to 2 pounds (0.9 kg)

Typical Behavior

Feeder goldfish are active and spend most of their time swimming throughout the tank. They will stop and rest on and around objects during the night. They will school and interact with other fish during the day. Some fish will swim to the bottom of the tank when bored.

Feeder goldfish are not aggressive or territorial, but they will nudge one another to establish dominance. Feeders will chase other fish and fin nip during meal times or breeding.

Feeder goldfish will huddle together in one tank area on top of plants or near heaters when stressed. They will also swim frantically and crash to the bottom of the tank or rub against plants and gravel. Sick feeder goldfish will rest at the bottom of the tank.

Chasing and nipping at other fish is common feeder goldfish behavior. Feeders will also swim in circles or figure eights, hide behind plants, and splash around when they feed well.

Feeder goldfish are curious about their surroundings. Always put a lid on feeder goldfish tanks as the fish are prone to jumping out of the aquarium.

Feeder Goldfish Care

Feeder goldfish care is similar to other goldfish species care. They do best in a large tank with some vegetation and an open area for swimming. Keeping the fish in a bowl or small aquarium will cause the feeder goldfish stress. Ensure each feeder goldfish has 20 gallons of water to swim in.

Feeder goldfish care is easy as long as aquarists provide the right tank and supplies. They swim in slow-moving water with a muddy substrate in the wild. They will adjust to most aquarium conditions similar to the fish’s natural habitat.

Feeder goldfish feed on algae, plants, insects, worms, crustaceans, and mollusks in the wild. They can also eat dried flakes and food pellets in an aquarium setting—feed feeder goldfish two or three times a day to keep them healthy. Increase the portion size as the fish grow.

These fish are often exposed to bacterial infections in pet stores. Feeders are sold as food, so keeping the fish in hygienic conditions is not the pet store’s top priority. Keep feeder goldfish in a quarantine tank for two weeks before introducing the fish into a community tank.

Aeromonas and Pseudomonas, flukes, and other ectoparasites are bacterial infections that can infect the feeders’ skin and gills. Prevention is the best policy. Perform regular water changes to prevent these conditions.

Habitat and Tank Requirements

Feeder goldfish live in slow-moving waters with muddy bottoms and vegetation in the wild.

Water filters and heaters help recreate the fish’s natural water conditions. Use an under gravel filter or a box filter and an adjustable heater to maintain the temperatures. Adhere to the specific water parameters when recreating these conditions, or the feeder goldfish may die.

Tank Conditions

The desired water temperatures should range from 68º to 75º degrees Fahrenheit (20 to 24 degrees Celsius). The pH level should balance at 7.0 to 8.4. Feeder goldfish live in freshwater, so the water needs to be clean and free of harmful pollutants.

Feeder goldfish need a tank that can hold at least 20 gallons for one fish. Install an adjustable filtration system to keep the water clean, and add a heater to maintain the appropriate temperatures.

Medium-sized gravel is the best substrate for a feeder goldfish tank. Make sure the stones are smooth and free of sharp edges or pieces that can injure the fish. Decorating the tank with plastic or live plants, rocks, and logs is a safe choice. Keep the center of the aquarium clear.

Tank Mates

Feeder goldfish are peaceful fish. Keeping them with other peaceful fish species is ideal. They may not fare well in tanks with smaller fish as feeders grow quickly.

The best tank mates for feeder goldfish are other freshwater fish such as hillstream loach, hoplo catfish, and rice fish. These fish thrive in similar water conditions. They also have identical temperature requirements and are compatible with many tank decorations.

Cherry shrimp, ghost shrimp, and dwarf frogs are some good non-fish tank mates for feeder goldfish.

Avoid keeping feeder goldfish with snails. The feeder goldfish will eat small snails that can fit in their mouths and nip on the shells of adult snails. Feeder goldfish can also eat frog eggs and young tadpoles.

Diseases

Polycystic kidney disease, neurofibromas or warts, and parasitic infestations are common feeder goldfish diseases. Polycystic kidney disease is a condition in which cysts form in the kidneys of the fish, making it appear lumpy. This disease is terminal and is diagnosable through ultrasound.

Warts or neurofibromas are growths that appear on the skin and fins of feeder goldfish. Warts or neurofibroma are genetic conditions that are incurable.

Parasites are common amongst feeder goldfish. Signs include lethargy, missing scales, and red spots. For effective treatment, first, consult an aquatic veterinarian as there is no one cure fits all. Quarantining new fish will prevent parasite infestations.

Diet and Feeding

Wild feeder goldfish are omnivores. Omnivores eat plants and meat. Feeder goldfish need a balanced diet of plants and protein to thrive.

Feed feeder goldfish algae, zucchini, and romaine lettuce. These vegetables are readily available and great for feeder goldfish. Brine shrimp, bloodworms, and black worms are great live or frozen food to feed feeder goldfish.

Specialized granules and goldfish flakes are ideal prepared food for feeder goldfish. Veggie mix and daphnia will also provide the fish with much-needed nutrients. Feed feeder goldfish twice or thrice daily and increase their potions as they grow.

Breeding

Breeding feeder goldfish in aquarium tanks is difficult. While most aquarists breed them for use as live food, doing so in a tank is challenging. Invest in a separate breeding tank. A 10–30 gallon tank is ideal. The fish will require a gradual decrease in temperature for about one month to 58 degrees Fahrenheit (14 degrees Celsius) to induce breeding.

Give the fish light for no more than eight hours a day and feed them high-quality foods for one month. Live foods, vegetables, and high protein foods are essential but avoid overfeeding the fish.

Increase the tank temperature to 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius) after a month. Increase the light to 12 hours a day to complete the spawning induction cycle.

When the feeder goldfish are ready to spawn, the males will chase the females around their tank. The females will release eggs on plants or the tank walls, while the males will release milt to fertilize the eggs. Separate the parents from the eggs once spawning is complete, as the parent fish will eat the eggs.

The eggs will hatch within 24 hours. The fry will start swimming in two days.

Feed the fry baby brine shrimp, daphnia, or micro worms to ensure they can survive. Keep the young feeder goldfish in a separate tank to increase their survival rate.

Should You Get a Feeder Goldfish for Your Aquarium?

Feeder goldfish are brightly colored and hardy, making them an interesting addition to any tank. Remember to quarantine new fish before adding them into a community tank, as feeder goldfish often carry parasites and other contagious diseases.

They are great visual additions to the tank. These fish are inexpensive, easy to care for, and make great pets.

Feeder goldfish are challenging to breed in captivity, but their unique physical features are worth the effort.

Keeping Feeder Goldfish: Complete Guide 2022

Anyone who’s ever walked through the fish section of a pet store has seen the big tanks filled to the brim with feeder goldfish. These goldfish are bred and sold with the intention of them becoming a meal for larger predatory fish and reptiles, but you’ve likely spotted some very cute goldfish within these tanks. You may have even picked some cute goldfish out and taken them home.

It’s also possible you’ve spotted some sickly-looking fish that you thought you could save. And it’s also possible that you took goldfish home from the feeder tank with the intention of giving them an excellent life, only for them to die within a day or two. If you’ve had your heart broken by feeder goldfish you hoped to save, keep reading for everything you need to know about keeping feeder goldfish.

Why Do People Buy Feeder Goldfish?

Some people who own predatory animals, like turtles, catfish, gar, and large cichlids, feel that feeding live prey has benefits. Some believe live prey is more nutritious than frozen or processed food options, while others believe the stimulation of hunting is beneficial to the health and wellbeing of their animals. Not everyone is in agreement within the aquatics community about the necessity and benefits of feeding live prey.

Since these fish are sold as food and not as pets, they’re often mass bred and kept in close quarters and poor water conditions. The close proximity and large numbers of fish living together means that diseases and parasites spread quickly. Feeder goldfish are, inherently, less healthy than goldfish that are bred to be pets due to these conditions. They are inexpensive, though, which makes them ideal for people who live feed.

Keeping Feeder Goldfish: What You Need to Know

They might die: This is the cold, hard truth about feeder goldfish. Sometimes, no matter what you do, they will die. This is because of the conditions they’re kept in before they come home with you. The poor conditions start with the breeding facility and usually carry over to the pet store. Diseases, parasites, and poor water quality are all factors that play into the health of feeder goldfish. They often start their life off in poor conditions that cause lowered immunity and high mortality rates.

This is the cold, hard truth about feeder goldfish. Sometimes, no matter what you do, they will die. This is because of the conditions they’re kept in before they come home with you. The poor conditions start with the breeding facility and usually carry over to the pet store. Diseases, parasites, and poor water quality are all factors that play into the health of feeder goldfish. They often start their life off in poor conditions that cause lowered immunity and high mortality rates. They need to quarantine: It’s recommended to quarantine any new plants or animals you bring home to your aquarium, but this is extremely important with feeder goldfish. Many times, they carry diseases and parasites that aren’t immediately apparent when you bring them home. In fact, you may bring home a perfectly healthy-looking goldfish. This doesn’t mean there isn’t an underlying condition you can’t see with the naked eye. Quarantine for a minimum of 1-2 weeks, but 4 weeks is ideal. This gives you plenty of time to monitor your new goldfish for signs and symptoms of illness.

It’s recommended to quarantine any new plants or animals you bring home to your aquarium, but this is extremely important with feeder goldfish. Many times, they carry diseases and parasites that aren’t immediately apparent when you bring them home. In fact, you may bring home a perfectly healthy-looking goldfish. This doesn’t mean there isn’t an underlying condition you can’t see with the naked eye. Quarantine for a minimum of 1-2 weeks, but 4 weeks is ideal. This gives you plenty of time to monitor your new goldfish for signs and symptoms of illness. Prophylactic treatments: Prophylactic treatments are treatments that are performed to prevent illnesses and parasites or to treat them before symptoms begin to show. Some people recommend prophylactic treatment with antibiotics, while others recommend treating with generalized treatments for fungal, bacterial, and parasitic infections. This can help head off illnesses before they become a problem. Be aware, though, that sick, stressed, or low immunity fish may be too weak to survive treatments but treating prophylactically helps you ensure you aren’t introducing a problem into your tank. Treating one or two fish is much easier than treating an entire tank.

Prophylactic treatments are treatments that are performed to prevent illnesses and parasites or to treat them before symptoms begin to show. Some people recommend prophylactic treatment with antibiotics, while others recommend treating with generalized treatments for fungal, bacterial, and parasitic infections. This can help head off illnesses before they become a problem. Be aware, though, that sick, stressed, or low immunity fish may be too weak to survive treatments but treating prophylactically helps you ensure you aren’t introducing a problem into your tank. Treating one or two fish is much easier than treating an entire tank. Plan for a long-term commitment: Goldfish can live extremely long lives! Many goldfish live to be 15 years old, but they can live upwards of 30-40 years. Some feeder goldfish come out of their poor environment with a stronger immune system and higher tolerance for stressful environments. Feeder goldfish are usually common or comet goldfish, which are hardy fish anyway. That 2-inch feeder goldfish you brought home because it looked sad may get very large and be with you for decades.

Goldfish can live extremely long lives! Many goldfish live to be 15 years old, but they can live upwards of 30-40 years. Some feeder goldfish come out of their poor environment with a stronger immune system and higher tolerance for stressful environments. Feeder goldfish are usually common or comet goldfish, which are hardy fish anyway. That 2-inch feeder goldfish you brought home because it looked sad may get very large and be with you for decades. Plan for a Big Fish: Single-tail goldfish like commons and comets tend to live longer and get larger than goldfish bred to be pets, like fancies. These goldfish can reach lengths of 12 inches or more. While there is some truth to the idea that goldfish will only grow to the size of their environment, you still may end up with a goldfish the size of your hand in a 10 or 20-gallon tank. Be prepared for a big fish with a heavy bioload. You will need a suitable tank with a great filtration system to ensure your goldfish has the healthiest environment possible.

Why Did My Feeder Goldfish Change Colors?

So, you picked out a cute little goldfish with black speckles all over it. Now that you’ve had it home for a few weeks, you notice that the black spots are fading or gone altogether. There are two potential reasons this can happen. The first is that as goldfish age, it’s not unusual for them to change color. Usually, this color change involves black or bronze colors fading to gold or white, although some white goldfish will turn gold with age as well. You may have just picked a goldfish that is genetically predisposed to change color and lose its black spots.

The other reason that you may notice black spots on your feeder goldfish going away is ammonia poisoning. When goldfish are kept in unhealthy environments with high ammonia levels, like in overstocked breeding tanks, they can develop ammonia poisoning, which can cause irritation and loss of slime coat on the skin. It can eventually lead to fin and tail rot and scale loss. Black spots develop as your goldfish is healing from ammonia poisoning, although their body may begin attempting to heal while still in a high ammonia environment.

Always monitor your water parameters routinely to ensure your tank is staying cycled and has no ammonia. If your black-spotted goldfish suddenly begins to lose its spots, sometimes as quickly as overnight, then they’re likely healing from ammonia poisoning. This often means that you’ve provided a high-quality environment that is allowing the body to heal from the stress of ammonia.

If you are looking for help to get the water quality just right for your goldfish family in their aquarium, or just want to learn more about goldfish water quality (and more!), we recommend you check out the best-selling book, The Truth About Goldfish, on Amazon today. It covers everything from water conditioners to tank maintenance, and it also gives you full, hard copy access to their essential fishkeeping medicine cabinet!

Conclusion

Bringing home feeder goldfish is an unpredictable thing, so the best you can do for your new goldfish is to be prepared. Make sure you have a fully cycled tank ready to go and a quarantine tank available if your fish will be going into a tank with any other animals. Feeder goldfish can be sickly and, in some cases, impossible to keep alive, no matter how hard you try. You can do everything right and still lose feeder goldfish, so don’t beat yourself up. It can happen to anyone! Some feeder goldfish will come home hardy and ready to take on the world. Since there’s no real way to predict what you’re bringing home, be prepared for all scenarios and be ready for a long-term commitment to your new goldfish.

Featured Image Credit: JuanCarlosPalauDiaz_Shutterstock

So you have finished reading the how to keep feeder fish alive topic article, if you find this article useful, please share it. Thank you very much. See more: feeder fish types, feeder fish for sale, feeder fish tank, feeder fish goldfish, best feeder fish, feeder fish lifespan, what are feeder goldfish used for, feeder goldfish lifespan

Top 43 How To Keep Feeder Fish Alive Top 101 Best Answers

How long can a feeder fish live?

Can you keep feeder fish?

How long can feeder fish live in a bowl?

What do you feed feeder fish?

Do feeder fish need a heater?

Why are my feeder fish dying?

Do feeder fish need a filter?

Can feeder fish survive in a pond?

How long can feeder fish live without food?

What fish can live without a filter?

How long can fish live without air pump or filter?

How do you add oxygen to a fish bowl?

How often should you feed feeder fish?

Do I need to feed feeder fish?

How long do feeder minnows live?

How long do feeder guppies live?

How long can feeder fish live without food?

Can feeder fish survive in a pond?

Feeder Goldfish Care Guide and Species Profile | Fishkeeping World

Keeping Feeder Goldfish: Complete Guide 2022 | Pet Keen

Caring for Your Goldfish in a Fish Bowl Without an Air Pump – PetHelpful

Should I Use Feeder Fish to Feed my Fish? – The Aquarium Club

Keeping feeder fish | MonsterFishKeepers.com

Keeping Feeder Goldfish: Complete Guide 2022 | Pet Keen

Feeder Goldfish Care Guide and Species Profile | Fishkeeping World

How long can a feeder fish live? – Quora

Difference between feeder fish and normal fish? | Fish Food Forum | 190225

How to Keep a Fish from Dying While You Are on Holiday: 10 Steps

Simple DIY Feeder Fish Breeding Setup & Care Guide

Feeder Goldfish Care Guide and Species Profile

Keeping Feeder Goldfish: Complete Guide 2022

Leave a Comment Cancel reply