Feeding silversides

[mizpriz]

I just want to make sure the frozen silversides are okay for loaches. Every few days I've been giving the fish a small amount of chopped silverside. The first time I did, my new yoyos, who were always in hiding, decided I was an okay person after all and they've never hid from me since. Seems to be a hit for all the fish!

[Graeme Robson]

What are Silversides? US talk?

[mizpriz]

They're little frozen fish that you find in the pet store (at least it's so in my area), that resemble minnows. Just looking at the package here...yes, they're labeled as Silversides with no other name mentioned, and there are no other ingredients such as preservatives. Just 100% dead fish.

[Propellerhead]

Graeme - Silversides are members of the Atherinidae family, like UK whitebait. I never thought of feding these to my loaches, because every time I try, the black ghost knifefish grabs them.

[Graeme Robson]

Ahh!!

Sorry it was late when i posted.

[mizpriz]

Graeme - Silversides are members of the Atherinidae family, like UK whitebait. I never thought of feding these to my loaches, because every time I try, the black ghost knifefish grabs them.

I wish I could have a ghost knife, but I don't think I have the conditions in my tank to keep one happy and healthy.

[Graeme Robson]

A predatory environment ? Your choice of fish os wrong.

[mizpriz]

Yep, that's part of the reason I won't get one.

[Azmeaiel]

Oh dear, I hope noone tells My BGK he's a predator, it will be bye-bye guppies, strangley though he has been big enough to gobble them for a while, especially the fry and tiny endlers.

[Propellerhead]

No trouble with my Ghost knife. He only eats things that can be gulped in one hit, and shows no interest in larger fish (except at feeding time). Actually a very shy and retiring fish that takes a lot of coaxing to integrate with the clowns. But I would'nt trust one with small fish. I think he's a pretty good match with larger loach, and they all cram together in the same hole in the hollow mangrove log in the tank.

[mizpriz]

They sure are a unique and beautiful fish. I researched them quite a bit, a few months ago when I was considering buying one. I found lots of sites whose owners described the same thing, their BKG being rather peaceful, but I wouldn't risk it with my smaller tetras. I just like my dither fish too much, I guess. Plus, I don't remember exactly what their water requirements are, but I think our local water conditions are way off for their needs. The only thing I really remember from my research is that my answer to myself was a firm no. Luckily, unlike my kids, I can take no for an answer with a minimal amount of whining.