We would need a few more details about how you're keeping them, and what specific kind you have. The milky film could be causitive, or it could be just the natural decaying process after dying for some other reason.

Where, in general, do you live? Many areas along the coast offer feeder fish at bait stores that are from brackish water. They will not live long in fresh water(They have blueish or greenish flecks on them). Many others offer different shad or shiner species that are collected from huge bodies of water or are farmed. They don't live well in a tank situation.

If you want feeder fish that will live for an extended period of time, you can't go wrong with goldfish. They just need cool, clean, well oxygenated water and fish food. They are high in a certain enzyme that is thought to harm pet reptiles over a long period of time, so goldfish shouldn't be your snapper's staple food item.

If the fish grow feathery, slimy, or stringy material on their bodies before dying...there are a handful of tank additives you can purchase to combat bacterial and fungal infections. Pimafix and Melafix are wonderful. They're considered safe for herps, but I'd treat the fish in a separate tank just to be cautious.

Hope this helps. Good luck.

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