Feeding fish until they bulge- hurting or helping?

[rallysman]

That's why i say that every once in a while it could be more natural. Especially for catfish and other scavengers species.

I would think that in nature they wouldn't constantly be fed relatively small portions. But every once in a while they may stumble across a relatively large carcass which that will stuff themselves on until they've eaten as much as they can.

However day after day huge feedings, regardless of whether the fish is being "powerfed" can't be good. Except for maybe fry. Right?

Haha, but this is just my opinion, hopefully some of the more learned members will chime in.

Good thoughts

 

[dingoofus]

We don't feed our fish bad sugars though? most of what we fed is protein pellets right? Is there such a thing as too much protein? Surely it would make the fishes muscles stronger? which might make it appear fat but in reality its muscle mass?

 

[Delhezi B]

I feed my fish like i feed my snakes one big meal every few days (ecept for small fish) ushally there bulging after i feed them

 

[haynchinook334]

Is there such a thing as too much protein?

YES.....to much protein in some fishes is bad. Predator fish, protein is key.

 

[tcarswell]

We don't feed our fish bad sugars though? most of what we fed is protein pellets right? Is there such a thing as too much protein? Surely it would make the fishes muscles stronger? which might make it appear fat but in reality its muscle mass?

For humans yes too much protein harms your liver or kidneys. Something I remember from cutting weight and keeping / building muscle drinking those protein shakes. Some peoples protein intake before tournaments would be so intense their eyes would start to yellow. A sign of jaundice

 

[hmoobvwj]

Overfeeding or Powerfeeding IMO would only get you .5" or an 1" bigger in fish size vs. a fish being fed normally. For any FRY/JUVI fish no matter what species they are I usually do one big feeding with a couple snacks here and there daily. For adult fish, I usually feed them a big meal every other day OR make sure they all get a bite (1 Raw Shrimp) each daily (I'm talking the big boys here for any fish over 12")
Too much of one thing is always bad for you no matter what it is....I'm sure I can find a reason so don't test me.

So true that a fish don't always eat as good as they do in home aquariums...or as much. One day they can find plenty to eat and another day they can go with an empty stomach.

 

[Tongue33]

How does stretching the stomach to nearly twice it's size (or more) play into it? Where do the other internal organs go? How do they function when there is a lack of space?

It's instinctive to eat as much as you can IMO. Even humans go way overboard more than they should. It's too easy for us to get food so we keep eating. It's been proven that it's bad for us, so why is it different for fish?

I'm taking no sides and I will not vote. I'd like to see a well rounded discussion in favor of both sides.

Agreed. And I have no public opinion on this And also will not vote. The options are a little vague....


one of my friends popped a Cichla Monoculus.

 

[12 Volt Man]

I have been powerfeeding for years and have seen no problems yet, other than healthy monster fish growing very fast lol

here is the result of 4 months of such power feeding on some lemonfinned barbs LOL:

 

[tcarswell]

Damn , what a difference. What size do they max out at??? Nice tank BTW

Oh and tongue33 What do you mean it "popped" lol ???????????

 

[cichlid2006]

i feed until i start to see the little pot belly starts appear then i stop. I stop mainly because i use dry food which absorbs water and it swells as it absorbs water. dont want to risk hurting my fish.
i have heard of fish dying from being over fed over but never witnessed it and imagine that some fish would easily overeat to death.