MICE

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I have an entire tackle box filled up with all sorts of rodent look alike contraptions that produce some large perch bass and bluegill from time to time, as a matter of fact the fish bite them so hard its hard for me to believe that it isnt a natural occurrence. As far as ethical goes I dont believe I'll be feeding my fish any rodents any time soon but to each his own I suppose.
 
Been slated for my understanding on evolution on this forum before (mostly because i was wrong :D) but here goes.

LMBs, Emperors, Arowana, Peacock bass... etc etc are all top end predators in their natural environment, and would possibly take a mouse or small water fowl should the oppertunity arise, and they are designed for this. BUT under captive conditions, there really is no need for them to practise this behavior.

Oscars, on the other hand, are not top end :) (as much as we would like them to be), their relatively small in comparison and are true omnivores (not even piscivores in my opinion) feeding on much smaller fish, insects and veg matter.

My tuppence.
Craggy
 
craig_uk;2292821; said:
Been slated for my understanding on evolution on this forum before (mostly because i was wrong :D) but here goes.

LMBs, Emperors, Arowana, Peacock bass... etc etc are all top end predators in their natural environment, and would possibly take a mouse or small water fowl should the oppertunity arise, and they are designed for this. BUT under captive conditions, there really is no need for them to practise this behavior.

Oscars, on the other hand, are not top end :) (as much as we would like them to be), their relatively small in comparison and are true omnivores (not even piscivores in my opinion) feeding on much smaller fish, insects and veg matter.

My tuppence.
Craggy
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true. they intentionally introdruced peacock bass in south florida, to try and keep populations of other invasive species (including oscars) under control. they're not bad for attracting the vacationing angler, either.
 
I've got to be blatantly honest, those who say feeding live feeder fish is 'natural' are absolutely kidding themselves. I don't disagree with it, though I don't do it either, however sticking a small fish into a slightly larger rectangle full of water that houses a larger fish (in a tank that's more than likely overstocked or too small to begin with) is in no way natural.
 
I really don't see how using a mouse as a feeder is that much different, is it because it's a mammal? honestly if we're going into the whole natural aspect I would suspect that if it's alive, in the water, and can fit in it's mouth the fish will eat it. It's kinda the same principle on how I can catch fish on a lure that looks like a lizard in michigan. I would think that a mouse would be an easier target as well because they're not built to be in the water, and any wild animal will go for the easiest meal.

I personally don't use feeders in general, and would not feed any of my animals live mice (anymore) for fear of having a cycloptic pet. this reminds me to go buy some frozen mice for my turtle though.....
 
People get bent out of shape because mice are "cute and fuzzy". Arthur is right. In the wild, if something falls into the water, or is swimming in the water, it has a good chance of being eaten by a aquatic animal. I have seen killer whales eat a moose that was swimming from island to island. I have seen sealions eat seagulls and try to eat swimming dogs. It's not pretty, but that is nature, keeping fish in a tank is not.
 
The reason most people don't like feeding mice to fish is because the fish don't just eat them in one big bite like they do with most feeders. They pull the mouse under repeatedly until it gets tired and they drown it. That isn't a pleasant way to die and certainly isn't needed inside of a home aquarium.
 
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