Feeder Fish
Live food fish (rosy reds, goldfish)Definition
Feeder fish are small live fish (typically rosy red minnows or goldfish) sold as food for predators (oscars, arowanas, lionfish). Strongly discouraged due to disease risk + nutritional deficiency.
Practical use
Problem: feeder fish are kept in poor conditions + carry parasites + contain thiaminase that destroys vitamin B1 in predators. Better alternatives: frozen krill, raw shrimp, earthworms, premium pellets. Most predators thrive without feeders.
Browse the full glossary.