Is overeating a concern?

[---XR---]

I don't know if this comes up alot, but i might aswell throw it out there. One of my jaguars (largest and fastest growing juvi of unkown sex) about 2", has always eaten alot, but after tonights feeding, larger and medium hikari pellets- the fish is looking an unhealthy fat size, i have seen similar bellies from pregnat females and fish raised on feeders after a large meal, but never so much on one fish by pellets. the width of the body around the stomach has double or more in size and the bulge stops quickly and flattens into a normal slim tail.

so i throw it out there, could overeating lead to health problems, bloat, death?

The fish is in a 180 with amphilophus of larger size 3-6" (6) and parachromis of smaller size 1-2" (3)

anyone else with similar situations?

 

[cchhcc]

It can absolutely be a problem. When I was studying vet med, I remember some aquaculture tests that showed that unnatural growth rates driven by overfeeding is actually detrimental to the development of fish. Of course, in aquaculture they are only concerned with growth rates that are profitable. Still, the study did point to long term health problems for any fish that didn't end up on a dinner plate!

It can be difficult to feed fish of different sizes in a community situation. In your case, you may find it better to feed very small pellets so it is harder for the Jag to hog all the food. I have excellent results with that approach. Also, it allows me to target my piscivores for large foods (shrimp, etc.) a few times a week in order to simulate the manner these predators who eat in the wild (i.e. catching a fish every now and then).

 

[---XR---]

It can absolutely be a problem. When I was studying vet med, I remember some aquaculture tests that showed that unnatural growth rates driven by overfeeding is actually detrimental to the development of fish. Of course, in aquaculture they are only concerned with growth rates that are profitable. Still, the study did point to long term health problems for any fish that didn't end up on a dinner plate!

It can be difficult to feed fish of different sizes in a community situation. In your case, you may find it better to feed very small pellets so it is harder for the Jag to hog all the food. I have excellent results with that approach. Also, it allows me to target my piscivores for large foods (shrimp, etc.) a few times a week in order to simulate the manner these predators who eat in the wild (i.e. catching a fish every now and then).

Very Interesting point, This goes straight against the approach of "power feeding" for "monster" fish. This is the side i took of it all along, the more the fish eat and grow, the less time they have to fully develope into proper adults and who else knows what in terms of health problems.

Great points, Thanks for the post.

 

[Ang]

I had a fish that over ate. He started to become lethargic and almost seemed to have more labored breathing than he used to.
Some animals over eat because they have to.

lots of Fish are oportunistic feeders. They never know when the next meal will come along in the wild, so when food presents itself, they gorge to store up as much nutrients as possible. But captive fish get fed everyday and unless we say. "Thats enough", they'll keep eating. (of course not all species do that, but cichlids and especially Jaguars.. do)

That said, I would deffinitly control how much he gets. Just enough to see that his belly is full, but keep him wanting more. They should always still act hungry when you're done feeding.

 

[---XR---]

I had a fish that over ate. He started to become lethargic and almost seemed to have more labored breathing than he used to.
Some animals over eat because they have to.

lots of Fish are oportunistic feeders. They never know when the next meal will come along in the wild, so when food presents itself, they gorge to store up as much nutrients as possible. But captive fish get fed everyday and unless we say. "Thats enough", they'll keep eating. (of course not all species do that, but cichlids and especially Jaguars.. do)

That said, I would deffinitly control how much he gets. Just enough to see that his belly is full, but keep him wanting more. They should always still act hungry when you're done feeding.

good post, thanks.

 

[Pyramid_Party]

Fish are just like dogs, they will eat till theyre sick. I sometimes overfeed my BGK. It doesnt hurt to skip food for 1 day, which I do sometimes. I also cut down on portions when I feed. If a fish is constantly full and has a fat belly its not a healthy thing. This can lead to bloat for some fish.