Types of Frozen Fish Food

Frozen fish food is a good alternative to live fish foods that normally have to be carefully cultured or purchased from the pet store. The freezing process eliminates potential parasites and diseases often associated with live foods. Frozen foods have an advantage over flake and freeze-dried foods that will loose some of their nutritional value during processing and as they age. Frozen food is typically sold in blister packs, which are similar to ice cube trays, that allow you to pop out small portions without having to thaw the whole package.

  1. Brine Shrimp

    • Brine shrimp are one of the most common types of frozen fish food available. They are sorted and packaged in two sizes, juvenile and adults. Juvenile brine shrimp are in the larval stage, known as nauplii, and are suitable for small fry and fish with small mouths. Adult fish of just about all sizes enjoy eating mature brine shrimp. The shrimp's shell can be an important source of roughage. Brine shrimp are usually used to supplement a varied diet rather than being fed exclusively.

    Bloodworms

    • These worms are about three quarters of an inch long and are blood red in color, which is where they get their name. They are actually the larvae of a midge and not really worms at all. They are a great source of protein for carnivorous and omnivorous fish and should be fed as a periodic treat. Bloodworms should only be used to supplement a flake-based diet to ensure the fish get all of the nutrients they need.

    Daphnia

    • Daphnia are also known as water fleas. Almost all fish like to eat daphnia. They are a small crustacean about and eighth of an inch in size. Like brine shrimp, they have a calcium shell that provides minerals and rough material to aid in a fish's digestion. These are a good all-around fish food.

    Mysis

    • Mysis are another type of small shrimp that is primarily used for saltwater and reef aquariums. Mysis are an important high-protein food for both fish, corals and other invertebrates. Mysis suit some of the most finicky eaters in the aquarium and are a favorite of sea horses.

    Shellfish

    • Generally cheap, chopped portioned and frozen shellfish are used. Most shellfish for feeding your fish are mussels and cockles, which are small sea snails. This type of food is very meaty and is an important protein source for larger carnivorous fish.