Feeding Fish in India - 5 Tips
The most frequently asked questions by Indian aquarists revolve around feeding fish in India. What should I feed my fish, what quantity, and how frequently should I feed them, are some of the most asked questions.
A recent assessment of the Marine Products Export Development Authority of India (MPEDA) reveals that there are one million fish hobbyists in India, hence this article is to help fish hobbyists know more about feeding fish in India. To help you with these questions, here are some tips to provide you with the best guide for feeding fish in India.
Tip 1: Know the nature of your fish - Is your fish herbivorous, carnivorous, or omnivorous?
Knowing the nature of your fish is incredibly important to understand what’s the best dietary requirement for your fish. For instance, tetras are primarily carnivorous whereas livebearers are primarily herbivorous.
Herbivorous fish tend to feed throughout the day since it takes much more plant feed to meet their nutritional demands than it does for carnivores to obtain the same amount of protein through meat feed.
Hence, Carnivorous fish tend to eat less frequently. Omnivorous fish benefit the most from having a greater variety of viable feed alternatives.
While discussing about feeding fish in India it is always important to know this tip as the value of the domestic aquarium trade in India is presently at Rs. 500 crores.
Tip 2: What should you feed your fish?
If your aquarium includes different species of fish, It is advisable to provide a variety of feeds so it is nutritious for all the fish. Alternative feedings of meat protein and plant-based feed work out best in this instance, as the carnivores can benefit from the ingredients in plant matter and vice versa.
It is also important to remember the size of food comfortable for your fish. Small flake crumbles won’t normally pique the curiosity of huge predatory fish and small fishes like Neon Tetras would not be able to feed on large pellets. This is key as uneaten food can easily contaminate the aquarium.
Tip 3: What is a good amount to feed your fish?
In the start, it is best to underfeed as the uneaten food can contaminate your aquarium resulting in cloudy water and a harmful increase in nitrite and ammonia levels.
Generally, you should feed your fish as much as they can eat within two to three minutes. The quickest way of knowing is by starting with a small amount and noticing how quickly your fish eats it. Try giving a little more if the feed is eaten within two minutes. In this way, you can test out what the correct amount to feed your fish is.
Due to the dangers of uneaten feed, it is advisable to remove any food that is not consumed within five minutes with a net or siphon hose. Fish are particular about what they eat since it must provide them nutrients they need to live, grow, and reproduce.
Through their evolution, they have developed the ability to sense nutrients and have acquired the skill to recognize the precise amount of food required for their body, hence it is important to note the quantity of feed and nutrients required for feeding your fish in India.
Tip 4: How frequently should you feed your fish?
Usually, feeding your fish once or twice a day is adequate. Few hobbyists make their fish fast for one or two days a week to help clear fish’s digestive tracts. Fish that are bigger and sedentary tend to have a longer gap between their meals than smaller fish that are often more active.
Small fish usually have greater metabolic rates, such as newly hatched fry and danios, and should be fed more regularly, especially when housed at warmer temperatures.
The metabolism of a fish is regulated by the water temperature. This also affects how frequently and how much food they require, hence it is important to take note of that.
Tip 5: What are some overfeeding signs you should look out for?
Overfeeding refers to giving your fish more food than they require or choose to consume in a single feeding.
If the food is not consumed in less than 2 or 3 minutes, even hobbyists who only feed once a day or every other day may be guilty of overfeeding. Some of the signs you should look for are:
1) If uneaten food remains in the aquarium for more than five minutes and the fish seems uninterested in it, it is best to filter the food out to avoid contamination of your aquarium.
2) In some cases, a fuzzy white fungus may start to develop on the bottom. The water may turn cloudy with a foul odour. These are some signs indicating overfeeding and should be dealt with and cleaned immediately.
3) A proper food and feeding schedule will encourage healthy life and well-being for your fish.
Why choose Intan?
At Intan, we are here to provide you with premium fish feed. Our feed is tailored to meet the specific needs of each species. Every feed can spark positive change and create a future promoting quality, resilience, and well-being. We aim to serve the needs of hobbyists and breeders for the best quality of each species’ unique requirements. To know more about us, check out our Instagram page or find us at our nearest out spot.
We are not just a brand; we are stewards of the underwater world. We believe in the well-being of our friends and their mental health. Understanding and addressing the stressors that affect fish is not just a concept for us, it's a commitment. Through our dedication to research and innovative products, we aim to ensure that fish everywhere can lead happier, healthier lives.