Foods for Omnivore Fish

Fish require the correct diet in order to provide energy, resist disease and to allow for growth. Omnivorous fish species feed on a combination of aquatic plant materials and flesh. These fish have a digestive tract with the characteristics of both herbivores and carnivores. Omnivorous fish are easy to care for, as they will readily accept a variety of food items.

  1. Vegetables

    • Spinach and zucchini are accepted by most omnivorous fish species. These vegetables should be blanched in boiling water to break down their cells, so that they can be easily digested by the fish. Thin pieces of spinach or zucchini should always be available in the aquarium. These items can be held in place by a plastic produce clip, which adheres to the aquarium glass by means of a sucker cup. Uneaten leaves must be removed on a daily basis and replaced by fresh pieces.

    Fresh and Frozen Seafood

    • Omnivorous fish should be fed the flesh of aquatic creatures, not the meat from mammals. The amino acids in the flesh of mammals differ from those in fish and invertebrates, such as prawns and mussels. The fats of mammals are stored as saturated fats, which fish have difficulty in digesting. Feed these fish, pieces of fresh or frozen seafood. Mussels, shrimps, prawns, calamari and a variety of line fish, all are ideal additions to the flesh part of an omnivorous fish's diet.

    Commercial Flakes, Pellets and Frozen Food

    • Commercial diets, particularly pellets and flakes, are a convenient and well balanced. The top manufacturers include quality ingredients and fortify their products with important minerals and vitamins. Additives to enhance the fish's natural colors are normally included. These products are designed to be easily digested and very little is eliminated as waste.

    Live Foods

    • Readily available live foods include adult brine shrimp and their recently hatched nauplii, daphnia, earthworms and both the adults and young of fresh water live bearers, such as mollies and guppies. Omnivorous fish will eagerly eat live food and will often prefer it over other food items.