| FISH TREATS There are a lot of fish “treats” on the market that are really nothing more than re-packaged in a different shape, over-priced fish food. Here, fish veterinarian Dr. Erik Johnson, Aquascape Designs’ main source for fish information, shares some alternative treats that his own fish enjoy from time to time. Grapefruit – Cut the grapefruit into quarters. They’ll float and the fish will be attracted at once. Watch out to make sure the skins don't jam up the pump or clog your skimmer. Fed too much, the vitamin C acid will scorch the lips of your fish to a pale pink color, no harm – just back off with the grapefruit. Once per week is plenty. Watermelon – Fish like watermelon but not as much as grapefruit. It doesn't supply much nutrition so other snacks might be a better option. Orange Slices – Big fish will earnestly take mandarin orange slices right out of your hand. Very cool and loaded with vitamin C. Larger seedless oranges can be cut as grapefruit. Peas – These can sink fast, so if your koi miss them on the pond bottom, there's a chance of wasting the peas and polluting the pond. So make sure you let the fish know you're there, and "here come the peas." Some say skins are hard for the fish to digest. Peeling them is out of the question, but when still partially frozen, if you give the pea a little squeeze the inside pops out of the skin and right into the pond. Koi seem to really like these, when they know they’re there. Romaine Lettuce – Nutritionally invisible, but perhaps the least messy of "greens" for the fish to munch on. Don't bother with iceberg lettuce. Get the darkest romaine you can and cut it into six-inch long strips of whatever thinness is suitable for your fish. They will chomp on the thick center spines of the leaf later. Worms – Koi eat earthworms, Georgia reds, night crawlers, pinks, and others. Fresh, active earthworms are well accepted and safe and when the first koi hits a worm, the rest quickly catch on. Fish – Koi can be trained to like fish. Thawed and chopped, frozen sardines are highly nutritious and, since they are from salt water, they are less likely to carry parasites applicable to koi. In moderation, these treats are okay for koi, and certainly well enjoyed. Cheerios – Cheerios make a great treat almost any time of year, especially when the water is too cold to feed regular fish food. They especially seem to appreciate Honey Nut Cheerios as a treat. It is low residue and low nitrogen, what's not to love? An A+ snack. So the next time you go to grab for that fish food, think about how good your fish have been this year. They never complain. They don’t ask for money. And they’re always happy to see you. They deserve a treat! -taken from AquaScape Designs Ponderings online newsletter, Aug 2006 |