Mealworms as a standard food source?

[magimango]

Evening. Quick question. Can gut loaded mealworms make up a staple diet for a fahaka? The only food source he will take so far are prawns and mealworms, I'm a bit concerned of just giving him prawns even with added vitamin drops just in case he doesn't get all the minerals and vitamins he needs plus the high levels of thiaminase that they contain. He is not interested in bloodworm, mysis, krill, tubifex, whiteworm, blackworm, or brineshrimp? As he gets bigger I can shift him on to crabs, snails, etc. But for the minute i'm limited.
Also, could african land snails be fed again as a main part of a diet?
Thanks in advance.

 

[Fat Homer]

I wouldnt rely on meal worms ad a staple diet... Their shells are known to be hard for a puffer to digest...

I would try defrosted mussels on half shell, scallops, clams in full shell, or even breed your own crayfish...


Sent from my iPhone using MonsterAquariaNetwork app

 

[Pufferpunk]

Their outer shell (chiton) is extremely difficult to digest. Great way to cause severe constipation. Also a very fatty food. How big is he? It sounds like the foods you are offering are too small. Try earthworms.

 

[magimango]

Yeah that was an issue I overlooked the shell being tough to digest. He is about 2.5-3in so I wouldn't say he is too big, certainly not for the krill/mysis. Cause of his size that also rules him from taking the shelled food. Again as he gets larger he'll be opened to a much wider variety of food but for the moment he is limited.

 

[Pufferpunk]

Believe me--your puffer can do a fair job of ripping shrimp tails to shreds! Whole earthworms too. Crack open a mussel & he'll eat the meat out & scrape his teeth on the inside of the shell, while doing it.

 

[Fat Homer]

Yup, my fahaka at 2" was eating mussels / scallops and clams already... Just had to make it a little more manageable for her size...


Sent from my iPhone using MonsterAquariaNetwork app

 

[magimango]

Thanks for the answers I appreciate it!

 

[ride1226]

Same as above, I buy small clams on the half shell frozen. I defrost in tank water and drop in one or two. Little guy goes to town shaking and biting the meat til he cleans it all out. Fun to watch, and great for the teeth.