Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I just obtained a large quantity of feeder goldfish, and was wondering if freezing them would make any difference.

Thanks,
Jay

see post:
forum.kingsnake.com/garter/messages/13447.html

from www.repticzone.com/caresheets/1.html
"Thiamine deficiency can be a real problem for snakes on a fish-only diet. Frozen fish or fish containing an enzyme called thiaminase can lead to stargazing syndrome, a neurological disorder caused by a lack of vitamin B1. A vitamin supplement containing thiamine should be offered weekly when feeding these items. Thiaminase can be found in goldfish, mackerel, herring, and many of the carp family. Fathead minnows, often called rosy reds or tuffies contain small amounts of thiaminase. Guppies are an excellent fish for neonates to eat as they do not contain thiaminase and are quite inexpensive."

from www.crocodilian.com/crocfaq/faq-5.html
"However, be warned! There are two big disadvantages with feeding fish. The first is that fresh and frozen fish often contain large amounts of the enzyme thiaminase. Freezing appears to increase concentrations of thiaminase in tissue, so frozen fish should be treated with some caution. Thiaminase destroys the vitamin B1 (thiamine) and thus if you're using fish ensure you use a vitamin B1 supplement, or you heat the fish (80 degrees C for a short period) to denature the enzyme. Not all fish contain thiaminase - eg. ocean perch are a better choice. The second problem with feeding fish, particularly oily fish, is the possibility of vitamin E deficiency (steatitis). This is a common disease in crocodilians fed a very high proportion of fish in the diet, so be aware of its implications. The high proportion of unsaturated and rancid fatty acid that is present in fish (particularly if it's not fresh) rapidly accumulates in the caiman's body if you feed little else. Oxidation of these fatty acids (which is prevented by the presence of vitamin E, an anti-oxidant) leads to the formation of ceroid pigment that results in necrosis of fat cells and serious inflammation. Fatty build-ups and nodular lesions develop throughout the body cavity and within the extensive subcutaneous and intramuscular fat pads. If this sounds nasty, you're right - it can be fatal to the animal. Increased variety in the diet is the easiest way of avoiding this problem."

yeah so just add some pellets to his diet (directly to the fish if nec)
it will make up for the vit loss

I have fed them in the past but now only do so occasionally.
I have heard too many negatives associated with them.

Later,
Jay