Feeder Ants?

[Dread]

Would feeding ants (homebred, no chance of insecticide being used on them, etc) to an adult Convict be alright? Not as a staple, but as a treat, 1 or 2 ants a week? I was wondering since I know ants are strong for their size, and I wouldn't want my new Cons to get hurt by pinchers or anything. I'm not really looking for nutritional value in ants, just a readily avaliable free treat, and I've heard that ants do a decent job of putting fish into a sort of breeding job (as with most other live foods). Good idea, or bad?

 

[M|L]

never tried it myself nor have I ever heard of it.

try it and let us know.

 

[ewurm]

I don't think ants would be much of a treat to an adult convict.

 

[Dread]

I looked into the tank last night, and saw 2 floating on top of the water. I guess they climbed up and fell in, and seconds later, they were gone, and the con was swimming away... so I assumed they liked it. I was just wondering it was safe?

 

[santoury]

It might be "safe" but not healthy. Ants have noxious chemicals in their body used for defenses that actually make them taste bad, not to mention not being a good snack.

 

[Bsixxx]

might be too acidic for him


but try it and see if he will eat em

 

[Dread]

Well, he eats them good enough, but after Santoury's post, I don't think I'll be collecting them to feed.

 

[tyl089]

i think all ants have some type of acid for blood. A lot of fish will still eat them, as they are small, but don't make a habit out of feeding them.

 

[Volenti]

Ants don't have acid for blood, but many produce formic acid for defence and attack.

Ant eggs and larva would be fair game though, hence the heavy duty protection they have in the nest, worker termites would be suitable as well.

 

[davo]

Yeah, it wouldn't be my first choice of a food source...