How to tell if fish have bloated, swollen stomach or swim bladder?Fish should be fed sparingly; they will always appear "hungry" (unless they are sick) but don't need as much food as some think. Once a day,missing a day or two each week, is adequate for mature fish; fry require more frequent feedings to develop properly.
The "balloon" fish frequently die of problems largely due to the internal issues this cruel practice causes.
a two week break...methinks that's a bit too long to go without feedingI use the 15 second rule. Any food left after that means I fed too much. I also give them one day off food a week. Currently mine are on a 2 week break in feeding.
Why would you do that though?They usually get that 2-3 times per year, sometimes 3 weeks. Never had a problem yet.
What benefit do you find in that? I know in humans that the organs begin to shut down and re-introduction to food has to be done gradually. I do imagine the same for fish. Two weeks seems cruel.They usually get that 2-3 times per year, sometimes 3 weeks. Never had a problem yet.
Its not a strategy - I am on holiday.What benefit do you find in that? I know in humans that the organs begin to shut down and re-introduction to food has to be done gradually. I do imagine the same for fish. Two weeks seems cruel.
Just elaborating on this. Most fish take their body temperature from the surrounding water. This means any food they eat is used for movement and growth.
- Unlike mammals fish don't use energy to keep warm.