ARTIFICIAL FOOD
This is dry food which is commercially widely available in specialist aquarium
stores.
Flakes of vegetable matter.
In the last twenty years the entire range has diversified considerably, and today
there is a wide variety, adapted to the needs of different groups of fishes: for
juvenile and adult fish, for freshwater and seawater fish, etc. These foodstuffs
are characterized by a high level of proteins (generally 40-50%) and come in different
forms: in flakes (the most common), granulated, or compressed.
Flakes for guppies.
The flakes float for a while before they sink, which makes them easier to grasp
for surface and openwater fish. There are obviously also different sizes of foodstuffs,
according to the size of the fish's mouth. This artificial food is fragile and deteriorates
if it is not kept in the correct conditions. It must therefore be stored in a dry
place protected from the light. Its composition is only guaranteed for a certain
period, so it is advisable to buy a small box if you have only one aquarium and
a few fish.
Flakes for adult herbivores.
Some aquarists do not hesitate to give their residents trout food, which they
buy at fish farms. This food is very rich in proteins and lipids, thus ensuring
the rapid growth of trout bred for eating, but this is not vital in aquariums. Although
such food contains pigments intended to change the flesh color of salmon fish, aquarists
who have used it have not reported any modifications in the external color of their
fish. In any case, this food can prove very economical for large-scale breeding
or garden ponds.
Typical artificial food for adults.
Marine fish sometimes refuse artificial food, either for a short period after
their introduction to the aquarium, or on a permanent basis. One trick is to progressively
incorporate increasing amounts of commercial food along with fresh food or live
prey. This gradually accustoms the fish to its smell and taste until they finally
accept it on its own.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF FOOD FOR AQUARIUM FISH
The artificial foodstuffs currently on the market are very effective for aquarium
fish. In order to cover their needs as fully as possible, fish can also be served
small, live prey, which are similarly available commercially and are an important
source of vitamins and mineral salts. There are other possible options: white meat
and mussels, for example.
Artificial food in the form of tablets.
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