One of the most important and interesting tasks of an aquarium keeper is to feed the fish in a healthy and sensible manner, as well as to consider the environmental conditions.

Fish food composition that meets the natural requirement of fish makes a vital contribution to build up fishes' resistance to diseases and parasites as long as all water parameters are suitable.

Incorrect feeding can cause damages to internal organs such as fatty liver, intestines inflammation, etc. and also weaken fishes' immune system, making your pet fish vulnerable to diseases.

Although there are many variery of foodstuff which many species of fish find in their natural habitat, all these sources of food have certain commom ingredients. These common ingredients are : proteins, carbohydrates, fat, fibres, vitamins and minerals.

Proteins
For fish, proteins are the most important elements not only for growing, but also as enegy source for movement. Proteins consist of amino acids chains. So far, 12 amino acids are considered to be vital and must be present in sufficient quantities and specific proportions in the fish food. Basically, these protein sources come from aquatic organisms like fish itself, shrimp and plant protein like soya bean.

Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates orignate from ground plants like grains, vegetables and herbs, processed to become glucose that can easily digest and utilise by fish as an energy source.

Fats
Fats provide source of energy for movement and metabolism. However, fish can't digest all types of fat. Fishes can only digest unsaturated fats which are liquid at the fishes-species optimum temperature (for most fishes, approximately 25°C). This type of fats, can only be obtained from aquatic organisms like fish, shrimps and others. Saturated fats from warm-blooded animals (like cows, chicken, pigs) which are solid at 25°C, can't be digested by fishes and could lead to intestines inflamation.

Fibres
Although fibres have no direct nutritional value, they are important for correct functioning of digestive system.

Vitamins and Minerals
Vitamins are important to control many vital metabolic functions. Lack of vitamins can affect fish coloration and resistance against diseases. Vitamins A and E are especially important in the fish food. Vitamin A increases the resistance to disease, promotes growth, health and vision. Vitamim E improves fertility, also protects vitamin A and unsaturated fats against decay. Vitamin C, like Vitamin A, improves resistance to infections and stress.

Note: only temporary stress can be coped with using vitamins, for examples : during and after aquarium treatment, during and after transport, when introducing new fish to community. Permanent stress which caused by unsuitable conditions s.a overcrowded aquarium, wrong fish combination, bad water parameters, etc. can't be alleviated by vitamins however high the dosage!. In this case you should fix the problem and create the suitable conditions for your aquatic friends.