Live feed is critically important for fish, particularly for young or weaker individuals, because its movement stimulates their feeding response and makes it easier for them to capture prey.
The Crucial Role of Live Feed for Fish
For many fish species, especially during their larval stages, live feed is not just a food source; it is often the only type of food they will recognize and consume. The continuous movement of live organisms in the water plays a vital role in triggering the natural predatory instincts of fish larvae.
How Live Feed Aids Prey Capture
Unlike static or formulated feeds, live organisms move actively. This movement helps fish larvae, particularly those that are weaker or less developed, to detect and track potential food sources. The dynamic nature of live feed makes it:
- Attractive: Movement catches the attention of fish larvae.
- Targetable: The moving prey is easier for the larvae to focus on and attempt to capture.
- Essential for Survival: As highlighted by research, live feed in continuous movement helps the weaker larvae to prey upon these tiny organisms, ensuring their survival and growth when they might otherwise struggle to feed effectively.
Common Types of Live Feed for Fish Larvae
In natural environments, fish larvae rely on a variety of tiny zooplankton as their primary food source. These organisms are examples of the crucial live feed needed for their development:
- Copepods
- Cladocerans
- Decapod larvae
- Bivalve larvae
- Rotifers
- Ciliates
These zooplankton organisms form the essential diet of fish larvae in the wild, providing necessary nutrients and stimulating the feeding behaviors required for survival.
In summary, live feed is important for fish primarily because its inherent movement facilitates prey detection and capture, which is especially vital for the survival and development of fish larvae, including those that are weaker.
