Feeding aquarium pets is a crucial aspect of their care and well-being. While commercial dry and frozen foods are commonly used in our hobby, many aquarists understand the importance of incorporating live food into the diet of their fish, crabs, crayfish, frogs, and axolotls.
Live food not only provides essential nutrients but also stimulates natural feeding behaviors, promotes growth, and enhances the overall health of our pets.
In this article, I will discuss the advantages of feeding fish live food and give details on the several kinds of live food that aquarists can pick from, including daphnia, brine shrimp, bloodworms, and more.
Benefits of Using Live Food
- Nutritional Value: Live food is often highly nutritious, providing essential proteins, vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids that promote the overall health and vitality of fish.
- Stimulation of Natural Feeding Behaviors: Live food also triggers natural hunting and foraging behaviors in fish. It provides an opportunity for them to exhibit their instinctual feeding patterns. Engaging in these activities promotes exercise and physical stimulation, which are crucial for the well-being of aquarium fish.
- Enhanced Growth and Coloration: The nutrient-rich composition of live food often leads to improved growth rates and vibrant coloration in fish. Essential amino acids and pigments found in live food can enhance the development of fish, resulting in healthier and more visually appealing specimens.
- Variety in Diet: Offering live food alongside other forms of fish food adds variety to their diet. This helps prevent dietary monotony and encourages a more balanced nutritional intake. Different live food options provide different textures, sizes, and flavors, which can attract even the most finicky eaters and promote a well-rounded diet.
- Suitable for Specialized Diets: Some fish species have specialized dietary requirements that are challenging to meet with commercial dry or frozen foods alone. Live food, such as daphnia or brine shrimp for fry, can be an essential component in meeting these specific nutritional needs.
| Even though live food has many advantages for the fish, it is still necessary to maintain a healthy balance and get your nourishment from a variety of sources to provide your fish with a comprehensive and balanced diet. |
List of Live Food Options
- Daphnia
- Brine Shrimp (Artemia)
- Bloodworms
- Blackworms
- Cyclops
- Grindal Worms
- Tubifex Worms
- Detritus worms (White worms)
- Vinegar Eels
- Seed Shrimp (Ostracods)
- Mosquito larvae
- Microworms
- Scuds (Gammarus)
- Pest snails
- Rotifers
- Wingless Fruit Flies
- Earthworms
- Moina
- Banana worms
- Water Louse
Please note that this is not ranking. I do not list these live foods in order of priority or something.
The point is that the best type of live food may vary depending on the size, species, and sometimes even individual dietary preferences of your fish.
1. Daphnia
Daphnia, also known as “Water fleas”, are small freshwater crustaceans. Depending on the species, their body length may range from 0.04 to 0.2 inches (1 – 5 mm) long. They have a transparent body with a distinct head and thorax.
Daphnia are known for their high protein content, making them an excellent choice for promoting growth and enhancing coloration for a wide range of aquarium fish.
They are also rich in vitamins and minerals, contributing to the overall health and vitality of the fish. These tiny organisms can be cultured at home or purchased frozen or in live form from aquarium stores.
| Daphnia as Live food | |
| Pros | Cons |
| Nutrient-rich, high in proteins, vitamins, and minerals. | Large fish will not eat. |
| Easy to buy the culture. | Easy to overfeed the culture. |
| Easy to culture at home. | |
| High digestibility. | |
| Suitable for a small or medium size fish. | |
| Fast reproduction rate. | |
Related article:
2. Brine Shrimp (Artemia)
Brine shrimp are small (up to 0.5 inches or 1.5 cm) aquatic crustaceans with slender bodies and long appendages. They are widely available as live or frozen food and are particularly beneficial for fish fry and small species, as their size makes them easy to consume.
The hatched brine shrimp can be fed directly to the fish or enriched with additional nutrients before being offered.
Artemia are rich in proteins, vitamins, and essential fatty acids and can be easily hatched from eggs.
| Brine shrimp as Live food | |
| Pros | Cons |
| High in proteins and essential fatty acids. | Requires extra maintenance. |
| Readily available in frozen or live form. | |
| Easy to culture at home. | |
| High digestibility. | |
| Suitable for a wide variety of fish. | |
| Fast reproduction rate. | |
Related article:
3. Bloodworms
Bloodworms (family Chironomidae) are the larvae of midge flies. They have an elongated, thread-like appearance with reddish coloration.
These bright red, slender worms are highly sought-after by many aquarium fish because they are packed with proteins, amino acids, and essential nutrients, making them a valuable source of nutrition.
Bloodworms can be purchased frozen, freeze-dried, or live, and are especially favored by carnivorous and insectivorous fish species.
| Bloodworms as Live food | |
| Pros | Cons |
| High in proteins, amino acids, and essential nutrients. | May introduce parasites if not sourced from reputable suppliers. |
| Readily available in frozen or live form. | May can cause a mild to a severe allergic reaction in some individuals. |
| Easy to culture at home. | |
| High digestibility. | |
| Favored by many fish species, enhances growth and coloration. | |
| Fast reproduction rate. | |
Related article:
4. Blackworms
Blackworms (Lumbriculus variegatus) are segmented worms with a cylindrical body, typically black or dark brown in color, hence their name.
On average, these worms vary in size between 0.4 to 2.5 inches (1 – 6 cm) in length and up to 1.5 mm in diameter.
Note: Tubifex worms are sometimes mistakenly sold under the name Blackworms. These are different species. They have different nutritional values, live cycles, reproduction, color, size, etc.
They are an excellent source of protein and nutrients, making them suitable for fish species that dwell at the bottom of the tank. They are easy to cultivate and are readily accepted by fish.
| Blackworms as Live food | |
| Pros | Cons |
| Excellent protein and nutrient source. | Requires some time to harvest. |
| Contain lots of vitamin and mineral supplements. | |
| High digestibility. | |
| Suitable for a wide range of fish. | |
| Easy to culture. | |
Related article:
5. Cyclops
Cyclops (order Cyclopoida) are very small crustaceans that have translucent bodies. They have a single, round eye located in the center of their head, giving them their name. Cyclops are typically from 02 to 0.08 inches (0.5 to 2 mm) in length.
Fish fed with cyclops wouldn’t ever have problems with obesity because their digestive systems can easily and rapidly digest them due to the crustaceans’ quick digestion.
Although the fish that feed on Cyclops are incredibly vibrant in color, it is crucial to remember that cyclops are small and have little nutritional content in comparison to other feeding options.
Additionally, the Cyclops’ chitinous shell, which is not digested, acts as a valuable material that stimulates peristalsis in the fish intestine.
| Cyclops as Live food | |
| Pros | Cons |
| Suitable for small and juvenile fish. | Too small for medium and larger fish species. |
| High digestibility. | May harm fish eggs. |
| Simple set up. | Hard to find clean Cyclops starter culture. |
| Do not decompose if not consumed by fish. | Slow reproduction. |
| Never cause obesity in fish. | Specific dietary needs. |
Related article:
6. Grindal Worms
Grindal worms (Enchytraeus spp.) are small white or cream-colored worms that have a segmented body. They usually grow up to ½ inch (up to 1.5 cm) in length and up to 0.015 inches (0.4 mm) in diameter.
Grindal worms are extremely prolific and can easily double their biomass in several days.
They contain lots of protein with a large amount of vitamin A and carotene, making it a healthy and nutritious food option for your fish and other tank inhabitants.
| Grindal worms as Live food | |
| Pros | Cons |
| Nutritious and suitable for a wide range of fish. | Messy to culture and harvest. |
| Very fast reproduction rate. | Require constant feeding to maintain the culture population. |
| Can be stored for a long time. | |
| Easy to set up the culture. | |
| Suitable for a wide range of fish. | |
Related article:
7. Tubifex Worms
Tubifex worms (genus Tubifex) have a long from 1/4 inch to 2.3 inches (0.5 – 6 cm) long, cylindrical body with a slimy appearance. They are relatively thin and reddish-brown in color.
These are very hardy worms and can survive in extreme environments. Therefore, culturing them is pretty simple.
Tubifex worms are popular live food for many aquarium fish. High protein content, favored by most fish, readily accepted by them.
| Tubifex worms as Live food | |
| Pros | Cons |
| High protein content. | Potential risk of introducing parasites or diseases. |
| Contain lots of vitamin and mineral supplements | May cause water quality issues if overfed. |
| Easy to culture | Requires some time (a few weeks) before harvesting |
| Can be stored for 3-4 weeks | |
Related article:
8. Detritus worms (White worms)
Detritus worms (family Naididae) are small, segmented worms that can be also used as live food for various fish species.
These worms usually do not grow larger than 0.5 inches (1 – 1.5 cm) and can be seen lying on the substrate, swimming freely in the water column, or crawling on the tank walls.
Although many aquarists get stressed when they see these worms in their tanks, their fears are exaggerated. If you have been running your tank for a year or more and you have substrate in the tank, there is a huge chance that you already have them.
Detritus worms are scavengers and absolutely harmless.
| Detritus worms as Live food | |
| Pros | Cons |
| High protein content. | They hide in the substrate. |
| Great for fry, small bottom-dwelling fish. | Not cultured on purpose. |
| Additional clean-up crew. | |
Related article:
9. Vinegar Eels
Vinegar eels (Turbatrix aceti) are nematodes that thrive in vinegar-based cultures. Although they are not as commonly used as other live foods, they can provide a valuable source of nutrition for small fish species and fry.
Vinegar eels are almost transparent and have a characteristic “wiggling” movement. They are very small, typically measuring between 1/16 inch (1.5 – 2 millimeters) in length.
There are many different ways to culture vinegar eels at home. They all offer a cost-effective alternative to other live foods for small fish species and fry.
| Vinegar eels as Live food | |
| Pros | Cons |
| Very easy to culture. | Suitable only for small fry. |
| Good nutrient content. | Other live foods are more nutritious (Limited nutritional diversity). |
| Stimulate natural feeding behaviors in fish . | |
| Can live in freshwater for several days. | |
| Stay in the middle and upper water column. | |
Related article:
10. Seed Shrimp (Ostracods)
Seed shrimp are small, aquatic crustaceans that typically measure between 0.2 and 2.0 millimeters in length, depending on the species. Ostracods have a bivalve shell that covers their body.
Depending on the species, the transparent carapace can be either oval or elongated.
Although these small organisms offer a nutritious meal for various fish and invertebrate species, enhancing their health and promoting natural feeding behavior, there are still way too many drawbacks, in my opinion.
| Seed shrimp as Live food | |
| Pros | Cons |
| Good nutrient content. | Suitable only for small fry. |
| Stimulate natural feeding behaviors in fish. | Other live foods are more nutritious (Limited nutritional diversity). |
| Can live in freshwater for several days. | Hard shell delays satiation. |
| Stay in the middle and upper water column. | Too low reproduction rate. |
Related article:
11. Mosquito larvae
Mosquito larvae, often known as “mosquito wrigglers”, are the aquatic immature stage of mosquitoes before they transform into flying adults. Mosquito larvae are worm-like organisms with segmented bodies and distinct head capsules.
Depending on their stage of development, their size can range from 0.04 inches (1 mm) to 0.4 inches (1 cm) in length.
They are commonly used as live food in the aquarium hobby and for feeding various aquatic animals.
Mosquito larvae are rich in proteins, fats, and essential nutrients. They provide a natural and nutrient-rich food source for many aquatic species, including fish, amphibians, and invertebrates.
| Mosquito larvae as Live food | |
| Pros | Cons |
| High nutrient content. | Should be eaten before they transform into pupae. |
| Stimulate natural feeding behaviors in fish. | Can hide in plants during feeding and develop into mosquitoes. |
| Can live in freshwater for several days. | Can be hard to get Mosquito eggs. |
| Stay in the middle and upper water column. | |
| Easy to culture. | |
Related article:
12. Microworms
Panagrellus redivivus, commonly known as microworms, is a species of nematode that is often used as live food for small fish fry.
Microworms measure around 0.04 inches (1 to 2 mm) in length. They have a cylindrical body shape and are almost transparent, allowing them to blend in with their surroundings.
They start reproducing at 3 days of age. Additionally, microworms are extremely prolific, live-bearing up to 40 young every 1 to 2 days.
These tiny nematodes are an excellent source of protein, and their small size makes them highly beneficial for the fry.
| Microworms as Live food | |
| Pros | Cons |
| High nutrient content. | Suitable only for small fry. |
| Extremely fast reproduction. | |
| Can live in freshwater for several days. | |
| Easy to culture. | |
Related article:
13. Scuds (Gammarus)
Scuds, also known as Gammarus, are small crustaceans belonging to the Gammaridae family. They typically range in size from 0.4 – 0.8 inches (1 to 2 cm), with some species reaching up to 30 millimeters in length.
They are excellent feeders for fish and frogs.
Due to their hardy nature, they can live and thrive anywhere. Therefore, if you decided to culture them, it will not cost you much.
| Microworms as Live food | |
| Pros | Cons |
| High nutrient content. | Can become pest once established. |
| Great for medium and large fish. | Hide in the substrate. |
| Easy to culture. | |
Related article:
14. Pest Snails
Pest snails (such as Pond snails, Bladder snails, and Malaysian Trumpet Snails) can also be used as live food for certain fish species, particularly Pea puffers, Cichlids or Loaches.
These fish have a keen appetite for small invertebrates, including snails as part of their natural diet.
| Pest snails as Live food | |
| Pros | Cons |
| High nutrient content | Not all fish species can consume live snails. |
| Great for medium and large fish. | |
| Easy to culture. | |
| Snail control: If your aquarium is experiencing an overpopulation of pest snails. | |
Related articles:
- Pond Snails – Detailed Guide: Care, Diet, and Breeding
- Small Pond Snails – Detailed Guide: Care, Diet, and Breeding
- Bladder Snail – Detailed Guide: Care, Diet, and Breeding
- Malaysian Trumpet Snail – Detailed Guide: Care, Diet, and Breeding
15. Rotifers
Rotifers are microscopic aquatic organisms that play a significant role in aquatic ecosystems, particularly as live food.
Their small size and slow movements make them ideal for feeding larval stages of fish, crustaceans, and other aquatic creatures.
These tine creatures are known for their rapid reproductive rates, diverse species, and nutritional value, making them a popular choice for feeding various aquatic organisms.
| Rotifers as Live food | |
| Pros | Cons |
| Simple and easy to cultivate | Suitable only for small fry and larvae |
| Extremely fast reproduction | Requires constant maintenance |
| Its nutritional value can be artificially enhanced | |
| High digestibility | |
| Stay in in the middle and upper water column | |
Related article:
Related article:
Some Other Interesting Options:
16. Wingless Fruit Flies
Wingless fruit flies are tiny insects commonly used as live food for small fish, such as bettas and guppies. They are easy to culture and provide a source of small prey for fish.
17. Earthworms
Earthworms can be used as live food for larger fish species that are adapted to consuming larger prey. They are suitable for larger fish as whole worm and can be chopped into small pieces for small ones. They provide a natural and nutritious food source.
18. Moina
Moina, also known as water fleas, are small crustaceans similar to daphnia, providing a nutritious live food option.
Moina offer aquarists an excellent source of sustainable live food to raise healthy, vibrant fish. These tiny nutritious crustaceans are easily cultured at home with minimal setup and maintenance. Their rapid reproductive cycle provides an ongoing supply of live food to feed to fish fry and adults.
Related article:
19. Banana worms
Banana worms are tiny nematodes measuring approximately 0.04 inches (1.5 mm) in length. Their small size makes them an excellent choice for feeding fry. Culturing banana worms is quite easy, requiring only oatmeal and yeast as their food source.
20. Water louse
Asellus aquaticus (or Water louse) can be used as live food for fish in the tank.
These small crustaceans as a natural and nutritious food source, will stimulate hunting behaviors and provide essential nutrients for fish.
Related article:
In Conclusion
While commercial food is widely available and convenient, incorporating live food into the diet of aquarium fish crabs, crayfish, frogs, axolotls, etc. offers numerous advantages and benefits.
By doing this, we provide a more complete and balanced nutritional profile by varying their diet. Live food will encourage their feeding behaviors and improve growth and coloration.
Nonetheless, each species may have specific dietary requirements, due to their size. So, it is important to research and understand their nutritional needs to provide them with the best possible care.