Diets

DIETS BY TYPE OF FISH

Strict carnivores

• Bettas, large cichlids, predatory fish
• Base: red mosquito larvae, brine shrimp, cyclops
• High-protein carnivore pellets (Hikari Bio-Gold, New Life Spectrum)
• Variety is key

Omnivores (most aquarium fish)

• Varied diet: flakes/pellets + frozen foods (brine shrimp, mosquito larvae) + occasional vegetables
• A day of daphnia/plant-based food helps the digestive tract

Herbivores (goldfish, certain cichlids, herbivorous plecos, tangs)

• Main plant ingredients: spirulina, nori seaweed, vegetables
• Suitable vegetables: zucchini, cucumber, spinach, lettuce
• Lightly boil or blanch to soften (except for nori)
• Little or no animal protein in strict herbivores (may damage the liver and kidneys over the long term)

Algae and Biofilm (Otocinclus, Plecos, Neocaridina/Amano Shrimp)

• You don't need many extras if the aquarium has natural algae
• Serve with: spirulina wafers, blanched vegetables, nori seaweed
• Shrimp also enjoy catappa leaves and oak leaves (which contain tannins and biofilm)

Bottom-dwelling fish (corydoras, loricariids)

• Sinking pellets or wafers
• Vegetables for Loricariids (zucchini, carrots, cucumbers)
• Make sure the food reaches the bottom before the fish at the top eat it

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