What Kind of Food Should You Use to Feed Tropical Fish?

Tropical fish are picky eaters; some are vegetarians and some enjoy the flavor that only comes from other live organisms. Several different types of food are available for tropical fish in different forms. Understanding the pros and cons of tropical fish food can help you understand what your fish needs and what kind of food is appropriate for them.

  1. Flake Food

    • Flake food is dried, manufactured food, best for fish owners who want a food that keeps for an extended period of time. According to Aquatic Community, these foods are inexpensive compared to other fish foods, but buyers should exercise caution and only buy foods recommended for their tropical fish and have been proven to be good for fish in general. Tropical Fish Centre indicates that flake food can be used to provide a balanced diet for tropical fish, but Aquatic Community claims that other food sources should be incorporated to provide the fish a balanced diet.

    Pellet Food

    • Pellet fish food is another dried food advisable for larger fish due to the pellet's larger size. Pellets can be made from a variety of substances. According to Fish Lore, shrimp pellets are recommended for bottom-dwelling fish because they quickly sink to the bottom of the tank and have the added benefit of stimulating breeding in tropical fish.

    Frozen or Freeze Dried

    • Frozen fish foods are ideal for delivering quality, fresh food to fish. Fish Lore states that frozen fish food such as brine shrimp, beef heart, krill and bloodworms are an excellent source of protein and fats for tropical fish. Krill in particular helps to enhance the colors of tropical fish. Freeze-dried fish food, while expensive, is less messy than frozen food and is usually decontaminated by manufacturers.

    Live

    • Tropical fish owners should primarily use live fish food for carnivorous fish. Worms, insects and other live fish are suitable live fish food, but acquiring quality products can be a challenge. According to Aquarium Guides, live fish alone should not make up a tropical fish's entire diet, so owners should phase in other nutrients usually found in flaked or pellet food.