Why purchase feeder fish at the store when you can breed them inexpensively on your own? Although they can be purchased quite cheaply, an every week expense can tend to add up immensely.

Advantages

These species can be some of the easiest fish to keep and breed. The most common known are goldfish and guppies. These fish have a high growth rate and are able to keep very well in a congested environment. These fish are very fertile and produce quickly; this is why they are sold at an affordable rate. They are not high maintenance like some other expensive breeds.

Animals that are typically provided feeders are the catfish, freshwater turtles, and cichlids (a large class of predatory fish that includes the well known oscar and angelfish). Many breeders believe that feeders are the natural and nutritious way to go when it comes to pet food for fish. Other breeders just like to watch the prey get hunted.

When purchasing feeders from the store, make sure you get approximately 100. Guppies and goldfish typically cost about $1 a dozen (this can vary more or less depending where you purchase them). Guppies will produce live fish and goldfish produce eggs.

Breeding Tips

* Making sure that the water is treated properly should be the first thing that you focus on before introducing any fish to your 20 gallon tank. Once the water is treated with the proper amount of conditioner to remove any harmful substances, you can then add a multitude of real and plastic plants on the bottom of the tank in the gravel. The plants will help to protect the young fish and eggs from being consumed.

* The best temperature for breeding your feeder fish would be approximately 70 degrees (this can vary depending on the type of fish you get). The warm temperature allows for a wonderful environment for consistent breeding.

* Feeder guppies tend to give birth within 3 months of breeding. The baby fish are born live and will swim to the top of the tank; this is your opportunity to start feeding your predatory fish feeder fish.

Disadvantages

Breeding for the purposes of feeding has been labeled cruel and unusual punishment as the feeders would have a chance to escape in the wild and therefore the tank environment provides for an unnatural environment with no means of escape.

There is much controversy in regards to feeders being nutritious for your predatory fish. Some state that several different breeds of predatory fish have suffered from malnutrition when only being provided feeders.

Many commercial breeders breed these fish in filthy conditions and therefore can bring disease and trauma to your tank. This is why it is best to breed these types of fish yourself.