Optional extras: fish roe, mosquito larvae, spirulina, vitamin supplement or any other gourmet foods you can think of, but stay away from animal meats. Animal meats contain saturated fats, and most rainbowfishes are unable to utilise this form of fat. Fish, fish by-products, and seafood contain high levels of unsaturated fats. Therefore, they are a good source of food for your fishes. Choose only good quality fresh/frozen ingredients, and avoid products containing preservative or other additives. You could substitute the prawns with dried shrimp available from most Chinese markets.

Preparation
Blanch beef liver in boiling water to seal in blood content, otherwise it will pollute the aquarium water when thawed. Prawns are prepared by removing the head and spiked tail, leaving the body shell intact. In a food processor, chop and blend ingredients 1 to 6 with a small amount of water to form a smooth consistency. Mix all of the above and add dissolved gelatine or agar. If you add vitamins supplement then add it last and mix thoroughly. Pack into freezer bags or containers to a thickness of about 12 mm and freeze.

After freezing, remove from refrigerator, cut into convenient size such as a daily feeding block and store in air-tight container in freezer. The block can then be cut or grated into bite-size portions for feeding to your fishes. I have found this homemade food is readily accepted by all rainbowfishes, including the smaller blue-eyes.

© Copyright Adrian R. Tappin
Updated December, 2008.