Anchovies for predatory fish

[Dieselhybrid]

I have wild caught frozen anchovies left over from fishing a lot lately. I've been feeding as weekly/bi weekly snacks to my monsters. I've read they contain thiaminaise, so I supplement with vitachem. Thought I would ask, is this an ok occasional treat?

I like they eat the bones and whole fish for calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, etc. Whole nutrition. Any opinions or thoughts? Concerns?

 

[krichardson]

Save some for your pizza.

 

[Oddball]

There are better fin-fish to offer other than anchovies. While they're fine nutritionally, anchovies contain huge amounts of oils that can seriously tax your filtration system. The oils also are affected by temp and aeration and can combine with other proteins in the water to form a 'rind' at the edges of the aquarium and sump. This buildup can give off a very strong odor that's not too pleasant.

 

[Dieselhybrid]

There are better fin-fish to offer other than anchovies. While they're fine nutritionally, anchovies contain huge amounts of oils that can seriously tax your filtration system. The oils also are affected by temp and aeration and can combine with other proteins in the water to form a 'rind' at the edges of the aquarium and sump. This buildup can give off a very strong odor that's not too pleasant.

I have noticed this! I have overflows and still noticed films in the areas with the least surface movement. I have lmb, smb, yellow perch, and trout that I can feed them. They just go crazy for anchovies. Too oily indeed. Thanks for input.

 

[Dieselhybrid]

Save some for your pizza.

lol, I prefer on Ceasar salad these aren't salted or preserved. Otherwise I would consider it

 

[spotfin]

As you noticed, they are rather oily. Ok for an occasional treat.
I feed silversides to my rays for same reasons- bones, skin, scales, organs. Less oily than anchovies. I buy silversides and catch my own in the summer.

 

[xraycer]

If they are over 5" long, I would just roll them in flour and deep fry them for myself......pizza and Caesar salads works for me too

 

[Dieselhybrid]

As you noticed, they are rather oily. Ok for an occasional treat.
I feed silversides to my rays for same reasons- bones, skin, scales, organs. Less oily than anchovies. I buy silversides and catch my own in the summer.

I remember throwing bait traps in the ponds on golf courses in Maine and getting shiners by the dozens! Miss those days

 

[Dieselhybrid]

If they are over 5" long, I would just roll them in flour and deep fry them for myself......pizza and Caesar salads works for me too

Never tried this, I'm adventuresome