Wait for the feeding stage
Eggs hatch into larvae that may remain attached or absorb a yolk sac. Begin external food when the species becomes free-swimming and ready.
Match particle size
- Very tiny fry: infusoria-sized foods or specialized liquid/powder foods.
- Small free-swimmers: microworms or other appropriately sized cultures.
- Larger fry: newly hatched brine shrimp and fine prepared foods.
- Growing juveniles: gradually larger varied foods.
Use live foods carefully
Cultures can improve feeding response but may introduce contamination if poorly maintained. Keep culture tools separate from aquarium tools.
Feed by observation
Look for feeding response and full but not distorted bellies. Remove uneaten food and adjust the next portion.
Change foods gradually
Offer overlapping food sizes as fry grow so smaller individuals are not left behind.