VPP 322: Aquatic Animal Diseases, Health Care and Management (1+1)

CARE AND MAINTENANCE OF ORNAMENTAL FISHES 

Feed and Feeding

• Commercial formulated feeds and live foods are commonly used for ornamental fishes. Balanced feed formulated with optimized levels of nutrients such as proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, vitamins and minerals, and additives such as binders, attractants and pigments acn be used. Pigments are one of the important additives in ornamental fish feeds and they are added to improve the colour and attractability of the fishes. Feeding the ornamental fishes with live foods is also essential. Plankton, worms (earth worm, white worm), brine shrimp, copepods like daphnia and moina are some of the widely used live foods.
• Proper feeding of aquarium fish should be practiced.
• The amount of food required depends upon the type of food, the culture conditions and the individual fish. Newly hatched larvae may feed almost continuously.
• One or two feedings a day are best for most fish.
• Most problems with overfeeding result when wasted food spoils the water in the fish tank. Ammonia and other products of decay will degrade water quality and will favour the growth of bacterial pathogens.
• Proper aquarium care with frequent water exchange, cleaning the  filters is essential.   Introduction of common bottom-feeding fishes such as loaches and catfish will also help to keep the aquarium clean.