- Zooplankton: These are small, free-floating animals that drift in the water column. Zooplankton includes copepods, krill, and amphipods.
- Phytoplankton: These are microscopic plants that live in the water column.
- Insects: Insects such as midges and diptera larvae can be important sources of food for small fish in the Arctic.
- Other small fish: Some species of small fish in the Arctic may feed on other smaller fish, particularly juveniles of other species
The specific diet of a particular species of small fish in the Arctic may vary depending on its size, habitat, and the availability of different prey types. Some species may have specialized diets and feed primarily on one or a few types of prey, while others may be more generalist feeders and consume a wider variety of prey items.