Food and feeding habits of fish:
Fish show a wide variety of food preferences and feeding habits. It depends upon the species of fish, its habitat and ecological niche.
Here is table showing different types of fish feed.
| Category of Fish Feed | Description |
| Pellets | · These are compact, uniformly-sized feed pellets. · Feed pellets can be available in various formulations for different fish species and growth stages. · These pellets can have floating or sinking nature. |
| Flakes | · Flakes are thin, lightweight, and can float on the water surface. · These are suitable for various fish species, especially those that feed near the water surface. |
| Granules | · Granules have size Intermediate between pellets and flakes. · These also available in various formulations according with different dietary needs of fish species. |
| Crumbles | · Crumbles are smaller-sized feed particles, · These are suitable for small fish or fry (young fish). · It becomes easy for small fish to consume it due to their reduced size. |
| Live Food | · Live food includes organisms like brine shrimp, daphnia, and blackworms. These organisms are natural prey for many fish species, particularly tropical and marine fish. |
| Freeze-Dried Insects | · This feed contains freeze-dried insects like crickets, mealworms, and silkworms. So this feed Provide a high-protein diet for insectivorous fish species. |
| Soy-Based Feed | · Various fish feed are formulated with soybean meal as a protein source. It is often used to reduce the environmental impact of fish farming and conserve wild fish stocks. |
Various ingredients of fish feed
| Ingredient Name | Description |
| Fishmeal | · Fish meal consists of ground-up fish that is a rich source of high-quality protein and essential amino acids for fish growth. · It is derived from various fish species processing waste. |
| Soybean Meal | · A protein-rich ingredient used in fish feeds as a plant-based protein source, especially for omnivorous fish species. |
| Wheat Flour | · Ground wheat grains are a source of carbohydrates for energy. · It also helps in binding the feed into pellets or flakes. |
| Corn Gluten Meal | · It is a byproduct of corn processing that contains protein and amino acids. · It is commonly used in fish feed formulations to provide additional protein. |
| Spirulina | · It is blue – green algae that contain proteins, vitamins, and pigments. · It is used to enhance fish coloration and provide additional nutrition. |
| Premixes | · Mixtures of vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients are added to fish feeds to ensure that fish receive a balanced diet. |
| Brewer’s Yeast | · It is byproduct of brewing · It is used as a nutritional supplement in fish feeds. |
| Alfalfa Meal | · Ground alfalfa plant, provides protein, fiber, and essential nutrients for herbivorous or omnivorous fish species. |
Different Feeding strategies of fish
| Feeding Habit | Description | Examples of Fish |
| Carnivorous | · These are predators that primarily consume other animals like smaller fish, crustaceans, insects, and other aquatic organisms. | · Sharks · Tuna · Barracuda · Pike · Bass · Grouper |
| Herbivorous | · These fish feed on plant matter, algae, and detritus. · These use specialized teeth to graze on algae and plants. | · Parrotfish · Surgeonfish · Rabbitfish · Some Cichlids |
| Omnivorous | · These fish have a mixed diet so consumes both animal and plant matter. | · Carp · Tilapia · Catfish · Salmon · Trout |
| Filter Feeders | · These fish consume small particles and plankton suspended in the water. | · Basking Sharks · Manta Rays · Herring · Whale Sharks |
| Scavengers | · Scavengers feed on decaying organic matter, dead animals, and detritus. | · Catfish · Rays · Flounder · Some Bottom-Dwelling Fish |
| Top Predators | · They are apex predators that occupy the highest position in the food chain. · They control prey populations and ecosystem balance. | · Large Sharks (Great White, Tiger) · Marlin · Barracuda |
| Suction Feeders | · These fish create a vacuum to draw in prey by rapidly expanding their mouths. | · Seahorse · Some Types of Bass · Archerfish |
| Electric Predators | · They use electrical discharges to locate and stun prey. | · Electric Eels · Electric Rays · Knife fish |
| · Anglerfish | · They have a bioluminescent lure to attract and capture prey in the deep sea. | · Deep-Sea Anglerfish |