Fish food can be divided into three main categories: animal-based feed, plant-based feed, and synthetic feed.
Animal-based feed: Animal-based feed primarily includes bloodworms, mealworms, brine shrimp, aquatic insects, and also small fish and shrimp.
Plant-based feed: Plant-based feed consists of items like duckweed, algae, aquatic plants, and water plants. It can also include terrestrial plants like grass.
Synthetic feed: Synthetic feed is made by mixing various ingredients, providing a rich nutritional profile, and can also be fed to fish.
1. Animal-based Feed
Most fish are omnivores, and they often prefer animal-based feed such as bloodworms, mealworms, brine shrimp, aquatic insects, and so on. Larger fish typically favor eating small fish and shrimp. Animal-based feed is rich in protein, which is beneficial for fish development. Shrimp, in particular, contains astaxanthin, a substance that helps improve the coloration of fish, making them more vibrant.
2. Plant-based Feed
Plant-based feed mainly consists of duckweed, algae, water plants, and aquatic plants. While these foods may not appeal to carnivorous fish, they are excellent for herbivorous species, such as grass carp. For artificial feeding, it is best to choose grass as food because fish tend to like it and it is easier to obtain, unlike water plants, which have a smaller yield.
3. Synthetic Feed
Synthetic feed, commonly known as fish food, is usually made by mixing various ingredients. It is rich in nutrients and processed in a way that fish find appealing. Synthetic feed generally comes in two forms: flakes and pellets. Flakes float on the water surface, making them suitable for mid-to-surface-dwelling fish, while pellets sink to the bottom, which is more appropriate for bottom-dwelling fish to consume.
