Frozen? Foods

catfishgrrl · Post by **catfishgrrl** » 24 Jul 2005, 17:57

I've been re-reading some posts on what everyone feeds their plecs to try and add more variety to my group's diet.
I have one quick question...
When feeding carrots, do they have to be frozen prior?
Just curious.
Thanks.
Steph

Post by **Silurus** » 24 Jul 2005, 18:30

They need not necessarily be frozen.

MatsP · Post by **MatsP** » 25 Jul 2005, 09:32

I've fed my fish with carrots. They take to them best if they are blanched before feeding.

It all depends on what size your fish is, and which kind it is. Smaller fish prefer softer foods, the bigger fish can handle pretty hard foods. Raw carrot however, is quite hard, so I'd expect they'd prefer it lightly cooked. Last time I fed carrot it was a slice out of a tin, which obviously is quite soft, and that disappeared quite nicely.

Carrot isn't something I regularly feed my fish, but if your fish likes it, keep at it... All fish are slightly different, and like different things. Courgette(Zucchini) is definitely the favourite amongst my fish.

--
Mats

bronzefry · Post by **bronzefry** » 25 Jul 2005, 13:51

Cantoloupe melon in the rind was a HUGE hit, Mats.

Their diet has now expanded to the following: zucchini, spinach, melon and cucumber. The Peckoltia sp. and Otos like it much softer and without the rind. I even caught a Cory nibbling on some zucchini this morning. The frozen spinach in the bag, without any sauce is really good. You can take out a tiny bit at a time. No waste.

MatsP · Post by **MatsP** » 25 Jul 2005, 14:00

Bronzefry is referring to the article I wrote on the subject of feeding plecos. You can find it in Shane's world here.

Frozen, chopped spinach is a good, nutritious food. And just like humans, fish need a bit of variety in their food, so just because they love one thing, don't give up trying other things, if nothing else because they will have a more complete set of nutrients by eating multiple things.

And to connect to the original post on "Frozen vegetables", the process of freezing vegetables break down the cell-structure (because the ice that forms inside the vegetable breaks the cell walls), and that makes the vegetable go softer than if it was just raw. You can get the same effect by boiling it for a short period (or long, depending on how soft you want it, but it's better to have undercooked than overcooked food, unless you actually want cloudy water in the tank.. Don't ask how I found that one out

)

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Mats

catfishgrrl · Post by **catfishgrrl** » 25 Jul 2005, 16:57

MatsP wrote:the process of freezing vegetables break down the cell-structure (because the ice that forms inside the vegetable breaks the cell walls), and that makes the vegetable go softer than if it was just raw

I knew it had something to do with the cell wall and making it easier for the fish to eat, but couldn't remember why.
Thanks guys for all the info.
The article was quite informative. I'll have to give the egg-white thing a try sometime.
Next time I have cantoloupe, I won't be pitching the rind away.
Up til recently I had been feeding my guys Zucchini and Cucumber regularly (usually Zucchini more over the cucumber because the lack of mess and no seeds in the filter).
I bought a pair of Screwcumbers, which all the tank inhabitants found to be Awesome.

I also feed yam, frozen peas and frozen spinach on occasion.
I just wanted to see what else they might enjoy.
I fed them 2 baby carrots yesterday, and the larger ones happily grazed on them. Next time I'll blanch them so the smaller ones can give them a try.
It's interesting how each individual has their own preference.

As I was finishing typing this my L-200 swam to the front of the glass to say "Hey."
His teeth are green from eating the skin off the zuchinni I just fed them.
I wish I could sent a pic. It's too funny.