What about Slugs?

[GouramiFanatic]

I know that some fish are very fond of eating snails, but is it ok to feed them slugs? My new house is more in the country and as I was walking the backyard a few nights ago I couldn't believe all of the slugs I counted! I don't know if I'd personally be able to offer a slug for food - I'm a rediculous sap when it comes to this stuff and I'd feel sorry for it - So this is moreso a curiousity thing.

 

[Devilishturtles]

Great question. I didn't know and was curious, so did a quick google search. I found a great page on slugs! It was quite an interesting read overall.

"Many things eat slugs. Many birds, fish, and small mammals would love a slimey slug feast. They are one of the favorite foods of gartersnakes."

Says this website: http://velvetdragon.com/cyberslugs/realslugs.html

Give the whole page a read, very neat.

 

[kyektulu]

I dont know about slugs but many fish enjoy chopped up earthworms.

 

[chotie]

one thing about live foods:

you can never be sure you might introduce a disease into the tank and possibly kill ALL your fish.

i for one NEVER use live food, other than stuff bred myself. why take the risk when there are many freeze dried, frozen, etc, substitutes that are just as nutritious?

 

[Lonewolfblue]

A friend of mine tried feeding a slug to his oscar. The oscar spit it out, and looked mad at him for feeding that. Come to find out, the slug puts out a chemical that numbs their tongue and jaw. Was quite interesting.

 

[GouramiFanatic]

Thanks Devilishturtles - I did go and read that article and it was very interesting. I don't think I'd be able to get as close to them as the person who wrote that up, but it did make for an intresting read!

chotie - I wasn't going to feed my fish anything live, it was just a curious question that I had. I know fish can eat worms and snails so I wondered about slugs. I don't know that a lot of people feed their fish live foods with no problems. I'd probably give it a try if it wasn't for my guilty conscience (I'd feel bad for the prey).

A friend of mine tried feeding a slug to his oscar. The oscar spit it out, and looked mad at him for feeding that. Come to find out, the slug puts out a chemical that numbs their tongue and jaw. Was quite interesting.

Hmmmm... so I guess even if I wanted to attempt it, it probably wouldn't go over very well.

 

[Musket]

Lonewolfblue - that is very funny, I can just see that Oscar staring down your friend all numbed up and drooling like he just got out of the dentist. I can imagine his little brain spitting out "What the-a... whaa-y.... what di-th I do-th toa oou"