Whats The Best Food For Red Belly Pirahna

[CFC]

Those of you who suggest goldfish do you actally know what feeding goldfish does to the fish that eat them?

Goldfish contain large ammounts of a chemical called thiaminase which inhibits the intake of thiamine. Thiamine is a B1 vitamin that is vital for the control of the central nervous system and helps change carbohydrates into energy.
Without this vitamin the fish first become lethargic and then will start to lose control of movement, suffer from spasms and ultimately will die.

Next time you want to suggest goldfish as feeders have a think about what you are actually suggesting. If feeders are essential for the welfare of the fish (in the case of pirahna this is not true) then home bred feeders which are not goldfish are the only safe option with live bearers and small snakehead species being the best options as they breed readily grow fast and do not have sharp spines which could injure your fish.

 

[Gatorbait]

If your ok with using live foods once and awhile fish/mice might be good ideas, along with a balance of pellets etc.
(don't flame me for suggesting fish/mice)

There should never be a reason to feed red belly piranhas live food. They will readily accept brine shrimp and bloodworms even when dime-sized.

Some wild caught piranhas like the Black Rhom will usually have to be fed live foods while training them to accept non-live foods but rbp's are different.

Any time you feed feeders have a chance of introducing diseases, tapeworms, ringworms etc. it isn't worth it. Unless you want to take the time and breed them yourself and quarantine, use PraziPro, feed them. It's a lot easier to feed them more nutritious foods. Not to mention what CFC stated and goldfish also stunt their growth.

Red belly piranhas aren't the mean death machines everyone makes them out to be. They eat a lot of fruits and nuts in the wild and aren't so bloodthirsty unless very hungry. They are shy and timid fish so if you're looking for carnage rbp's aren't the fish you want, you'll be very disappointed with rbp's. Get a Black Rhom, elongatus, Brandtii or sanchezi for that and you'll have to spend some money which in turn you'll want the best for them since you spent so much and you won't be feeding feeders, I can bet that.

 

[andywg]

If your ok with using live foods once and awhile fish/mice might be good ideas, along with a balance of pellets etc.
(don't flame me for suggesting fish/mice)

Most fish (RBP included) are not kitted out to deal with mamalian tissue and most people agree feeding mammals to fish holds far too many risks to make it worthwhile, especially if the fish will take dead food.

 

[Fate2006]

Personally, I've found that the best types of food for Piranahs are Cichlid Pellets... I know when I had my 2 Red Belly Piranahs they ingulfed cichlid pellets, Live food is a good source of food, however I don't recomend things like goldfish, Rosy feeders or even feeder guppies... I've found Mealworms and Wax Worms to be a good source of protein for them.

 

[Gatorbait]

Personally, I've found that the best types of food for Piranahs are Cichlid Pellets... I know when I had my 2 Red Belly Piranahs they ingulfed cichlid pellets, Live food is a good source of food, however I don't recomend things like goldfish, Rosy feeders or even feeder guppies... I've found Mealworms and Wax Worms to be a good source of protein for them.

Yea, I should say that when I said above "live foods" I meant live fish. Worms are great food for fish.