Live feeding

[Codyjphoto]

So I see a lot of posts about not wanting to live feed. I'm wondering why this is?
My gar love to hunt the feeders of which are all treated for anything. I do often feed them tilapia and shrimp. Though my Florida does not take to the tilapia. So why do you all not like to live feed your gar? Is it a cruelty free kind of thing?

 

[tlindsey]

So I see a lot of posts about not wanting to live feed. I'm wondering why this is?
My gar love to hunt the feeders of which are all treated for anything. I do often feed them tilapia and shrimp. Though my Florida does not take to the tilapia. So why do you all not like to live feed your gar? Is it a cruelty free kind of thing?

Most don't feed live because of not wanting parasites, and other pathogen's infecting their fish. Some do quarantine the live foods.

 

[piranhaman00]

Feeders usually imply Cyprinid (Carp like fish) which are usually kept in poor conditions their whole lives which could mean they have diseases which your fish would then contract. Even if the Cyprinid is perfectly healthy, they contain thiaminase which breaks thiamine (Vitamin B1) which can lead to health problems mostly related to growth, appetite.

Fun fact: gar dont have scales so they cannot contract most parasites that reside on/in the scales of other fish. But all else applies. Feeders just are not necessary however, if you insist start breeding convict cichlids.

 

[kno4te]

Most don't feed live because of not wanting parasites, and other pathogen's infecting their fish. Some do quarantine the live foods.

Main reason.

 

[Hendre]

I see no need, only live food I give is microworms and earthworms. Pellets and frozens work well for me

I don't think feeders are worth the risk, unless you breed something like shrimp for your fishie friends

 

[Codyjphoto]

I turned around and looked like an ass the other day. My alligatorgar up and had some spots on it. So after treating it and the usual water change they're back to tilapia and shrimp. All raw of course. No more live feeders here! I'm building these guys they're own 17'x17'x3' pond this month of which they're going into in the spring.