My Herbivores Eating Meat.

[Snick]

Apperently my 6 red eyed tetras (which im shure are herbivores) absolutely love the freeze dried bloodworms I have been feeding my Angelfish, also in the same tank. Is it ok if they eat it? After all they have been devouring it for about 4 months now, with no apperent negative side effects. In fact, they seem to be more active and inquisitive when I arrive to view them.

My theory is that they, in the freeze dried presentation the worms come in, cannot differ herbivore from carnivore food, so they think that bloodworms are actually herbs, or something that they naturally eat.

Since it is not effecting them, can I continue to feed them such?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Teelie]

A more apt term would be insectivore. I think red eyes tetras can be insectivores but I'm not positive. The fact they eat it and don't spit it out leans more towards they are at least sometimes. Many herbivorous fish will also snack on the occasional insect or insect larvae if they get the chance. It's extra protein they'll definitely want since eating plant matter usually doesn't yield as much as snacking on insects. Just don't over feed the fish and they'll be fine.

 

[diademhill]

They are omnivores.
They should be fed both meaty & veggie foods. Freeze dried bloodworm are not good for these or the angels, try & get some frozen foods or feed a good pellet - angels thrive on discus food