Can Bottom Feeders Kill Other Fish?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Bottom feeders are fish that primarily live and eat…well…at the bottom of the aquarium. Instead of grabbing food from the surface or midwater, bottom feeders find their food along the substrate.

Some are scavengers that normally eat dead fish and invertebrates

.

What fish can you put with bottom feeders?

Examples of bottom feeding fish species groups are

flatfish (halibut, flounder, plaice, sole), eels, cod, haddock, bass, grouper, carp, bream (snapper) and some species of catfish and shark

.

How do you feed bottom feeding fish in a large tank with other fish?

What fish is not bottom feeders?

  • Wild-Caught Alaskan Salmon.
  • Sardines, Pacific.
  • Rainbow Trout.
  • Herring.
  • Bluefin Tuna.
  • Orange Roughy.
  • Atlantic Salmon, farmed salmon in pens.
  • Mahi-Mahi (Peru, Costa Rica & Guatemala)

Why do bottom feeders swim to the top?


The level of dissolved oxygen is higher at the top because of the interaction between the air and water that takes place at the surface

. If fish do not get sufficient oxygen in the middle or at the bottom, they tend to swim to the surface of the aquarium and you will see them gasping for air.

Can you have too many bottom feeders?


You can NEVER has too many corydudes

. You do have a lot of bottom feeders. But you've got a tank half the length of Sweden. I'd have just one bristlenose in that country; three is risking aggression when they mature older.

Do bottom feeder fish eat poop?

What Will Eat Fish Waste in A Fish Tank? Just in case you were wondering, there is no such thing as ‘fish poop eaters' know to the hobby. In other words,

there is no species of fish that will eat poop from your sand

, even the so-called cleaner crew like cories, and bristlenose plecos.

What fish will eat leftover food?

  • Bristlenose Plecostomus (Bristlenose plecos) Bristlenose plecos are a great addition to most aquariums. …
  • Siamese Algae Eater. …
  • Chinese Algae Eater. …
  • Otocinclus Catfish. …
  • Twig Catfish. …
  • Nerite Snail. …
  • Cherry Shrimp. …
  • Amano Shrimp.

Is white fish a bottom feeder?

Cod is a type of whitefish. Since whitefish remain as close to the bottom of a water source as possible,

they are commonly referred to as bottom feeders

. Bottom feeders are typically exposed to sand, pebbles, and other loose debris.

How big can bottom feeders grow?

They are very interesting fish because they rarely swim; we can describe their movement around the tank as hopping around rather than swimming. This makes them a really interesting species. They can grow to

about 6 inches

, which makes them appropriate for 20-gallon tanks or larger.

Do feeder fish get big?

As you can see,

feeder fish don't get too big

. This is because only smaller fish are usually used as feeder fish, and if larger fish are used, on the occasions they are used, they are not allowed to grow to full size.

Can you mix bottom feeders?


Bottom feeders are most often added to community aquariums

, and for good reason. Having one species at the top of the tank and having another on the bottom not only gives each species their own space but makes your aquarium look more active and lively!

How often should I feed my bottom feeder?

Most , and other bottom feeders do best on sinking tablets, wafers and pellet foods. How Often Should I Feed My Fish? For the most part, feeding your fish

once or twice a day

is sufficient. Some hobbyists even fast their fish one or two days a week to allow them to clear their digestive systems.

How long can bottom feeders go without food?

Many experienced fishkeepers routinely leave their charges for

two to three days

without making any provisions for feeding. Almost any fish can go that long without fish food (more about that later, as well). However, if you're going away for longer, some preparation may be needed.

Why are bottom feeders bad for you?

Bottom feeding fish, like catfish, buffalo, carp, drum and sturgeon are more likely to have

high levels of harmful chemicals like PCBs

. These harmful chemicals are concentrated in the mud.

Should you eat bottom feeder fish?

As we already mentioned, many popular types of seafood are bottom feeders. From lobster to cod, these fish are

tasty and healthy options for dinner

, whether you're finding them in the seafood section of your local grocery store or on the menu of your favorite restaurant.

What are the four fish that should never be eaten?

Making the “do not eat” list are

King Mackerel, Shark, Swordfish and Tilefish

. All fish advisories due to increased mercury levels should be taken seriously. This is especially important for vulnerable populations such as young children, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and older adults.

Why are my fish rubbing against each other?

Aquarium fish do this by rubbing their bodies against objects in the aquarium. These objects can include decoration pieces, plants, rocks, and other equipment like the filter.

Your fish may be doing this because they're stressed or uncomfortable

. This can be due to an illness or poor water conditions.

Why are my fish hanging around the heater?

It is likely that

the heater is not performing efficiently to warm the entire aquarium evenly

. The water temperature should be 24-28 degrees Celsius. One way of rectifying the issue is to ensure good water circulation around the heater.

Why are my fish chasing each other?

Fish chase each other for a variety of reasons, such as

defending their territory, establishing dominance, competing for food, and mating

. Even fish that are typically docile fish may chase others because of constant stress. This could be due to incompatible tank mates, poor water conditions, or an overcrowded tank.

What cleans fish poop in aquarium?


A gravel vac

is definitely the best way to remove fish poop from your aquarium. Now, these gravel vacuums can become super expensive but you do not need those! All you need is a simple gravel vacuum, except when you have a big tank (100 gallons / 380 liters or bigger), where you probably want a longer one.

What clean up crew eats fish poop?


Snails

. Not everyone likes snails, but we always recommend them to our customers. They're one of the best cleaners in the tank because they eat almost anything. They consume fish waste, algae, rotting leaves, and even dead fish, breaking down organic material even further for plants to use.

Do fishes sleep?

While fish do not sleep in the same way that land mammals sleep,

most fish do rest

. Research shows that fish may reduce their activity and metabolism while remaining alert to danger. Some fish float in place, some wedge themselves into a secure spot in the mud or coral, and some even locate a suitable nest.

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.