NANFA-L-- Raising feeder fish -- what species?

Jase Roberts (nanfa_list-in-jaseroberts.net)
Tue, 16 May 2006 22:38:21 -0400

Hi All,

Can anyone offer recommendations on what fish/minnows are good choices to raise as feeder fish? I'd like to offer live fish occasionally, but don't want to run the risk of disease from store-bought or wild-collected fish. I'm also finding that raising my own live food is probably my favorite part of this hobby. I really get a feeling of satisfaction from feeding my fish something I raised myself.

Anyway, what are good choices for fish that are easy, prolific, relatively fast-growing, and able to be bred year-round without complex temperature/light cycling? Large fry would certainly be a bonus, to simplify the initial feeding stages (skip infusoria and such). Fathead minnows sound interesting, but will they continue to spawn if maintained-in-a constant temperature? How about gambusia or guppies? I'd prefer a native, but those livebearers sound pretty easy. What else should I consider?

Any advice will be welcome.

Thanks,
Jase
Montpelier, VT
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