Sometimes this topic gets controversial...

I suggest you provide fish in moderation and as part of a varied diet that includes mostly whole body animals.



Familiarize yourself with "thiaminase", go to the fish forum or turtle forum. Simply, it is a breakdown of enzymes(?) in the bodies of specific fish that interferes with Ca absorption...as I recall. Avoid smelt, which is too bad, because they are the perfect size and shape, no spines, readily available etc. Goldfish are on the not so great list as I recall. Thiaminase issues are the result of excessive feeding of certain fish, not just a few feedings. Also choose smooth fish without a lot of spines and remember indigos don't normally eat large prey.



I feed my indigos bluegill fillets and catfish bellies, and whole trout and strips of salmon, all wild fish from clean water I catch myself. I start some hatchlings on live goldfish and bait minnows, but offer only a couple, as they transfer over to mice and day old quail etc. I have fed salt water fish and so has a well known breeder in the NW, but some folks here jumped on us for doing so, but provided no evidence as to why...I have had no problems but only do it occasionally, usually with salmon.



Fisn often have parasites including an array of worms that you don't want to transfer to your precious indigos. I freeze all fish at least 30 days to minimize the risk.



Why do you think you need to feed fish? I am experimenting with salmon, wondering if the rich betacarotenes within wild caught ocean salmon might enhance the redness of hatchlings... good luck, Vic H.

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