By Scott W. Michael As with humans, or any other animal, a poor
diet can equate to general ill health and greater susceptibility
to pathogens. Some of the more commonly observed problems with
poorly fed saltwater fish include lateral line and fin erosion,
weight loss, color infidelity, listlessness and disease
outbreaks. Fish need protein, lipids, carbohydrates, vitamins
and minerals. Unfortunately few foods contain all or enough of
these essential nutrients. Therefore, the best way to ensure all
their nutritional prerequisites are met is to give them a varied
diet. This means a combination of frozen and fresh foods.
Relatively few reef fishes are specialized feeders. For example,
the vast majority of carnivores feed on a number of different
types of prey, not just a single animal species. With your reef
fish, variety is essential to ensure their long term health. One
good staple food is frozen sea food. Shrimp, clams, squid and
marine fish flesh, rinsed and finely chopped are great foods. I
will take frozen