The best food for guppies should be chosen based on their growth stage and nutritional needs. Here are specific recommendations:
1. Core Food Types
Live Food
Brine shrimp larvae: High in protein and rich in unsaturated fatty acids, they promote the growth and development of juvenile fish and enhance the coloration of adult fish. It is recommended to prioritize artificially hatched or frozen products.
Mosquito larvae (wrigglers): A naturally favorite food of guppies, they help enhance their body color and also control mosquito breeding in the aquarium.
Bloodworms: Need thorough cleaning and disinfection to avoid carrying parasites; suitable as an occasional supplement.
Commercial Feeds
Shrimp meal dry feed: Pelleted feeds with added astaxanthin can enhance coloration, making them ideal for daily feeding.
Micro-pellet feed: Juvenile fish require powdered or micro-pellet formulas to prevent swallowing difficulties.
2. Feeding Recommendations for Specific Stages
Juvenile stage: Use brine shrimp larvae as the main food, supplemented with egg yolk water (strictly control the amount to prevent water pollution). Feed 4-8 times a day.
Pregnant females: Increase the frequency of feeding live brine shrimp or small bloodworms to improve the quality of offspring.
Adult fish: Can be supplemented with algae (such as green algae) for fiber, but avoid blue-green algae.
3. Notes
Avoid using chemically decapsulated brine shrimp eggs or unsterilized wild-collected food.
Alternating between live food and dry feed can reduce the risk of enteritis.
Remove leftover food promptly to maintain stable water quality.