Feeding Rainbowfishes: Insects help Maintain Bright Coloration

[BronxZooFrank]

Hi All,
[FONT=&quot]Many years ago I established a school of 75 Boezeman’s Australian Rainbowfish (Melanotaenia boesemani) at the Bronx Zoo. The exhibit, which they shared with mangrove snakes, land crabs and crayfishes, made for a stunning display. And although the building also housed proboscis monkeys, marsh crocodiles, hornbills and other impressive beasts, the brilliantly-colored Rainbowfishes drew a great deal of attention from visitors.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]But many keepers become disappointed when, after a time, their fishes’ fading colors do a disservice to the “rainbow” part of their name. Based on experience with related species, I’ve always provided my Rainbowfishes with highly varied diets, in which insects were heavily featured. Those under my care have usually retained their bright colors, and breeding has been consistent. A recent study that examined the natural diet of wild Rainbowfishes seems to bear this out, and has important implications for the care of other species as well. [/FONT]Read article here http://bit.ly/185G7uX
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Thanks, Frank
My Bio, with photos of animals I’ve been lucky enough to work with http://bitly.com/LC8Lbp

 

[duanes]

Great info Frank.
I keep some of my cichlids in an outdoor pond during the summer, and when I bring them back in, in the fall, they always come back very robust, and with amazing colors (and I don't feed at all, while they are in the pond).

 

[BronxZooFrank]

Great info Frank.
I keep some of my cichlids in an outdoor pond during the summer, and when I bring them back in, in the fall, they always come back very robust, and with amazing colors (and I don't feed at all, while they are in the pond).

Thanks for the kind words; that has been my experience also, with everything from cichlids to guppies. During my zoo years, I saw the same in several types of birds and reptiles. I was also amazed at the colors of feral oscars and even Tilapia that I collected in the Everglades years ago.

Enjoy, Frank

 

[UnstoppableJayD]

Thanks Frank,
Great info, any suggestions on an insect to add to there diet? also does it matter if live or dried?

Thank

 

[BronxZooFrank]

Thanks Frank,
Great info, any suggestions on an insect to add to there diet? also does it matter if live or dried?

Thank

Much appreciated. I like live when possible, but freeze dried excellent, also can experiment with canned insects (see link in article)...I rinse these well. The insects listed are just some examples, many others; please see links under further reading for collecting info, and let me know if you need anything, enjoy, Frank