28/03/2014
Foods for catfish fry
There are a number of basic high quality foods that most fry will do well on. As previously mentioned, these foods must be on hand at the time the fry hatch, and the supply must be continuous until they are able to eat traditional foods. So prepare ahead of time to ensure you have what you need on hand. Aquarium clubs come in handy when rearing fry, as there are often members who can help you in a pinch. If you want to breed and raise fish, I highly recommend finding a local club for support.
Infusoria - Infusoria grows naturally in most tanks, particularly those with live plants. However, there may not be sufficient quantities to sustain a full hatching of fry. Therefore, it is helpful to culture your own infusoria to ensure having an adequate amount. This infusoria article from your Guide, and another infusoria article from a forum member, give plenty of tips for growing your own culture.
Brine Shrimp - Few things can rival the nutritional value of freshly hatched brine shrimp, or the appeal it has to virtually all fish. If you choose to raise it yourself, you will have to start the culture before the fry hatch, and keep it going for a period of time to ensure the fry have sufficient quantities. Another option that owners use is a commercially prepared live brine shrimp preparation, or frozen baby brine shrimp.
Green Water - Green water is exactly what it sounds like, water with microscopic algae growth that turns it green. It makes an excellent first food for young fry, and is easy to grow. Simply take a gallon jar and fill it with aquarium water, scrape some algae out of your tank and add to the jar (if you have no algae, a bit of grass will suffice). Add a few drops of plant fertilizer, then leave the jar in full sun. Within a matter of days the water should be green and teaming with microscopic nutrients that are ideal for your fry. Take a few ounces out of the jar for each fry feeding, and replace it with treated freshwater.
Egg Yolk - Egg yolk is a power packed food that is easy to make into a preparation for newly hatched fry. Hard boil an egg, take the yolk and wrap in a small piece of gauze, compressing it so small portions protrude through the cloth. Hang it in the tank and the fry will feed off it. Remove and replace daily for the first several days.
DIY Fry Food - Live born fry, or fry that are a week or more old can usually eat finely ground foods, that you can prepare yourself.
Purchased Fry Food - Commercially prepared fry foods
