Everyone knows that fish love to eat worms, but what about mealworms? If you have a mealworm farm, can you give some to your pet fish the way you do so to chickens? Whether you are fishing enthusiast or trying it for the first time, no worries. This article will go through all the things you need to know.
Mealworms can be fed to fish as a nutritious and protein-rich food source. Many fish species, both freshwater and saltwater, can consume mealworms as part of their diet.
Are Mealworms Safe for Fish?
Mealworms are not really worms, but the larvae form of yellow darkling beetles. But to answer the question, yes they are very safe for fish to eat. Before you do so however, I would suggest you keep the following in mind.
Make sure that the fish actually eats live prey or insects. Some species like parrotfish and surgeonfish are herbivorous and feed primarily on plant matter. Others only eat commercially prepared fish food pellets. Predatory fish are more likely to accept mealworms as part of their diet.
How many mealworms you give depends on the size of the fish. Small fish will be happy with one or two, but large species are going to need more. But I do not recommend giving them too many since fish need a balanced diet to thrive.
Preparation. Gut load the mealworms before feeding them to fish. Gut loading means giving mealworms nutrient-rich foods so the fish will absorb them too. By giving the mealworms fresh fruits and vegetables, you’ll be providing the fish with these nutrients. You should do this not just for fish but any time you’ll feed the mealworms to animals.
Safety guidelines. If you are buying mealworms, do so from reputable brands. Mealworms have to be properly processed to avoid infecting the fish and cause health issues. If you have a mealworm farm, make sure it is well-maintained and taken care of.
As long as mealworms are clean and processed correctly, your fish will love them. In fact, some fish love mealworms so much they may refuse to eat anything else.
This is why I recommend you include mealworms as part of their diet, but not the only food they eat. You can give mealworms as an occasional treat. if you want to make it part of their daily diet, give them small amounts only. Too many mealworms can lead to obesity.
Benefits of Feeding Mealworms to Fish
Mealworms are commonly fed to livestock with good reasons. They are nutritious and affordable, plus chickens love them. Fish are no exception.
High nutritional value. Mealworms are a rich food source. They are 50% protein, which is vital for fish growth and development. Proteins aid in muscle and tissue repair, enhance immune function and support proper organ function.
Mealworms are also rich in amino acids which fish need. Amino acids are essential building blocks and used in various biological processes. They improve enzyme production and regulate hormones. Amino acids also play a role in the development of scales and fins.
Mealworms contain beneficial fats including omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. These fatty acids improve fish immune response, reduce inflammation and promote healthy growth. Omega 3 also contributes to the development of a fish’s nervous system and improves reproductive capabilities.
Enhanced fish color. Mealworms contain carotenoids such as beta carotene, which cab enhance the natural colors of fish. This is particularly noticeable in tropical fish like bettas, cichlids, and guppies.
Appetite stimulant. Mealworms are ideal for picky fish. It is also useful when you are starting a new diet for your fish. If they refuse to eat what you give them, add a mealworm or two. You can also use mealworms when fish are stressed and refuse to eat anything. For instance, if you just move them to a new aquarium.
Prevent nutrient deficiencies. Adding mealworms to a fish’s diet provides dietary variety, which can prevent nutritional deficiencies. While commercial fish feeds generally offer a balanced diet, live or frozen mealworms provide additional nutrients.
Fish love prey. In the wild, many fish species consume insects and larvae as part of their natural diet. By feeding mealworms, you are mimicking this natural feeding behavior. This is important to keep your fish behaving naturally and avoid getting stressed.
If you want to keep feeding mealworms to fish, it might be a good idea to breed beetles so you have a constant supply of mealworms.
How Many Mealworms to Feed Fish?
For smaller fish species such as guppies, tetras, or danios, a single mealworm may be sufficient for each feeding session. Larger specie like cichlids or Oscars may need 2-5 worms per meal.
These are only general guidelines or rules of thumb. A lot of factors affect fish appetite such as the species, size, health, environment and how much food they have consumed.
You do not want any mealworms to decay at the bottom of the fish tank, so you have to avoid overfeeding. You can start with just one mealworm and add more if necessary.
Another option is to give them mealworms equal to the size of their eye. Or check how many mealworms they can eat in 2-3 minutes.
Any of these methods will work. The important thing is that you don’t overfeed the fish. Too many mealworms can cause obesity, digestive problems and excessive waste.
Fish have different dietary requirements. They will be happy to just feast on mealworms but as stated earlier, a balanced diet is ideal. The good news is you can easily buy mealworms online or in pet stores. In my experience, mealworms for pet reptiles, birds and livestock are suitable for fish too.
Related. How to Choose Mealworm Bedding
I also want to point out that fish respond to mealworms in different ways. Some might like it more than others, but that is normal. As long as they eat other types of nutritious food your fish will be fine.
Mealworms can be a valuable and nutritious addition to a fish’s diet. They are nutritious and when combined with other fish food, can go far in improving the well-being of your pet.
