FEEDING HABITATS

Fish are usually divided into four eating groups: carnivores, herbivores, omnivores, and limnivores.

Carnivores are meat-eating fish which are usually predatory by nature. In the wild, these species feed on fish, insects, insect larvae, and crustaceans. Large carnivores may only eat a few times a week. Carnivores have a large stomach and a short digestive tract. In the aquarium, depending on the size of the carnivore, the fish can be fed live foods and flakes.

Herbivores are vegetable, plant, fruit, and algae feeders by nature. Herbivores are frequent feeders and have a long digestive system. In the aquarium, herbivores can be fed flakes, vegetables, and plant matter.

Omnivores feed on a variety of foods in nature. In the aquarium, omnivores can be given live, flake, and vegetable foods.

Limnivores, also known as mud-eaters, feed on algae and detritus (and the microorganisms that inhabit them), and rasp on wood. Limnivores are constantly feeding and have a small stomach with a long digestive tract. In aquaria, limnivores can be fed pellets and algae.


FOOD COMPOSITION

Depending on the fish's feeding habits (carnivore, omnivore, herbivore, limnivore), the percentage of fat, fiber, and protein varies.



Carnivore
Fat 3-6%
Fiber 2-4%
Protein 45-70%
Moisture 6-10%


VITAMINS

Vitamin A
effect: cell growth
symptoms of deficiency: poor growth, deformation of vertebral column and fins
source: liver, spinach, carrots

Vitamin B1 (thiamin)
effect: breakdown of carbohydrates, promotes growth and fertility
symptoms of deficiency: frightened behavior, poor growth, decline in appetite.
source: paprika, peas, carrots, spinach

Vitamin B2 (riboflavin)
effect: control of enzymes and proteins
symptoms of deficiency: cloudy eyes, poor growth, loss of appetite
source: spinach, peas, paprika, carrots

Vitamin B3 (Nicotin acid)
effect: food breakdown of proteins
symptoms of deficiency: weakness, aimless movements, tumors
source: peas, liver, spinach, paprika

Vitamin B5 (Pantothene acid)
effect: hormone production, metabolism
symptoms of deficiency: weakness, sticking gill membranes
source: liver, paprika

Vitamin B6 (Pyridomin) and B12 (Cyanocobalamin)
effect: enzymes, protein metabolism
symptoms of deficiency: increased panting, loss of appetite, timidness, poor growth
source: liver, paprika

Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid)
effect: bone and tooth development, healing, digestion
symptoms of deficiency: altered skin, liver, and muscle tissue
source: paprika, peas, spinach

Vitamin D3
effect: bone development
symptoms of deficiency: degeneration of bone
source: fish liver, fish meal

Vitamin E
effect: development of sex organs, fertility
symptoms of deficiency: infertility
source: eggs, cereal

Vitamin K
effect: blood formation, blood clotting
symptoms of deficiency: death follow injuries (abrasions)
source: lettuce, peas, spinach

Vitamin M (folic acid)
effect: blood formation, metabolism
symptoms of deficiency: dark skin pigmentation
source:

Choline
effect: growth, fat production, coloration
symptoms of deficiency: enlarged kidney and liver
source: paprika