How does duckweed rate as a diet suppliment? Mostly for my cichlids but my tetras get a bunch when they eat their flakes off the surface.
Duckweed
- Thread starter Zanzag
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i also throw some into my Buenos aires tetras I think plant matter is a important part of many fishes diets id say its a good add to a staple diet obv wouldn't just feed that but they seem to nibble on it more during fasting day once a week
I used it for vegetarian cichlids like Cincelichthys bocourti, and pearsei, and for Etroplus suratensus.
I don't know about nutritional value, but it seemed good at clearing the gut, which I feel is important for those vegetarians fed pellets rather higher in protein than these fish have evolved to consume on a regular basis.
I did grow it in my tanks, and not use it from wild areas where it might contain paracites or their eggs.
I don't know about nutritional value, but it seemed good at clearing the gut, which I feel is important for those vegetarians fed pellets rather higher in protein than these fish have evolved to consume on a regular basis.
I did grow it in my tanks, and not use it from wild areas where it might contain paracites or their eggs.
When collected fresh, approx. 90+% water content (a non-nutrient), high in carbs, ash, and fiber, the latter being what Duane was referring to. As far as actual nutrient content, including protein/fat/minerals etc, that would be dependent on the water they are grown out in, so that will obviously vary.
But I agree, all fish, even those that are classified as carnivorous, should be consuming some aquatic plant matter on a regular basis. I supplement mine with dry aquatic based commercial food, I would personally never introduce duckweed to a tank due to the mess it can make if not kept under control. That, and the nutrient levels are a lot higher when aquatic plant matter is fed on a dry matter basis, vs fresh.
For reference:
www.feedipedia.org
But I agree, all fish, even those that are classified as carnivorous, should be consuming some aquatic plant matter on a regular basis. I supplement mine with dry aquatic based commercial food, I would personally never introduce duckweed to a tank due to the mess it can make if not kept under control. That, and the nutrient levels are a lot higher when aquatic plant matter is fed on a dry matter basis, vs fresh.
For reference:
Duckweed | Feedipedia
I love the stuff for my goldie, its fun to listen to him slurp it for the next few days so to me its so worth the mess
When collected fresh, approx. 90+% water content (a non-nutrient), high in carbs, ash, and fiber, the latter being what Duane was referring to. As far as actual nutrient content, including protein/fat/minerals etc, that would be dependent on the water they are grown out in, so that will obviously vary.
But I agree, all fish, even those that are classified as carnivorous, should be consuming some aquatic plant matter on a regular basis. I supplement mine with dry aquatic based commercial food, I would personally never introduce duckweed to a tank due to the mess it can make if not kept under control. That, and the nutrient levels are a lot higher when aquatic plant matter is fed on a dry matter basis, vs fresh.
For reference:
Duckweed | Feedipedia
Good god RD, there's more trace minerals and nutrients in duckweed than there is in my "fortified with minerals" breakfast cereal! I hope Kelloggs don't get wind of this!
Good god RD, there's more trace minerals and nutrients in duckweed than there is in my "fortified with minerals" breakfast cereal! I hope Kelloggs don't get wind of this!
If you've got a big enough pond I bet you could feed yourself off duckweed. Maybe collect it, dry it and grind it into a kind of flower, or press it into pellets...