Breeding fish for larger snakes

[LeilaNami]

We have our indigos in but we would like to start breeding safe feeders for the snakes especially for when they get a little larger. They won't be eating fish all the time so incredibly prolific fish are unneeded. I know smelt, some species of silversides, minnows, and goldfish have thiaminase so I want to avoid those at all cost. I do not want to buy fish from a pet store. I had an X. vittata die from eating a sick fish (didn't know it was sick at the time). We don't want a huge tank either. Mollies, guppies, swordtails, and platys are out since they are too prolific and too small. Any ideas guys? If we can't find anything we might have to settle for sashimi grade salmon filets.

 

[dtknow]

Indigos eat fish?

Depends on space...anything larger is going to be more prolific than those livebearers and will take time to get up to size.

I'd reccomend 3 spot gouramis(commonly sold as blue gouramis Trichogaster trichopterus), or snakeskin gouramis. Both get quite large(the latter in particular which is likely the best bet)...however they are bubblenesters and lay large quantities of eggs. Paradise fish may also work and can take cooler temps. If you had an outdoor tub or otherwise a tank with lots of microlife you could select out as many fry as you need, dump them in until they get to the size they eat prepared food, and then put them back in with the parents to raise up. I suppose when your babies get up to size you could then feed off the parents and start with a new generation.

 

[pitbulllady]

I've never heard of Indigos eating fish. They will eat just about anything else, but fish? Indigos are reliable rodent feeders, so I have to ask WHY would you want to give them fish in the first place? These are already messy, poopy snakes as it is, and that's with being fed rodents, so I'd hate to even think of the clean-up involved if they were being fed fish! An adult Indigo is a snake the size of a typical Boa Constrictor, so it would have to eat like one Largemouth Bass per week, and no one could afford to feed a snake that size that eats fish. I've had Cribos, which are the Central American Indigos, and they scarfed down jumbo rats like nobody's business, and I absolutely could not imagine trying to feed those things fish!

pitbulllady

 

[myrmecophile]

I have to agree with every one else... Fish??? Cant think of any fish that will fit the requirements that have laid out anyway. Stick with F/T rodents.

 

[loxoscelesfear]

just as baffled as everyone else...fish? i didn't think minnows were harmful, just goldfish. indigos should be eating f/t rodents. indigos poo lots. the waste produced by a fish fish diet is gonna run every body out of the house:barf:

 

[LeilaNami]

To all that replied: Yes indigos feed primarily on rodents and other small vertebrates. Yes they can and will eat fish, in fact, they will eat just about anything that fits in their mouth. They will be eating primarily rodents but we offer variety to our snakes. For example, my king eats mice as well as the occasional dove egg. This is the reason why I asked for larger, easier-to-breed fish that are not ridiculously prolific. Fish will be an occasional food as well as frogs, lizards, possibly eggs (not sure on this one) and of course mice. We will offer a variety because it is healthier to do so and we are well aware of their natural diet. We know Indigos poo a lot but that's not going to be a reason we limit their diet. And yes, minnows/tuffies are just as harmful as the goldfish and for the same reason. Do NOT feed your animals minnows whether it be a fish, reptile, or amphibian. They will cause eventual death because they contain an enzyme that restricts the absorption of thiamine.

dtknow: Thanks for answering my questions. Gouramis and paradise fish are pretty easy to get so they are definitely a possibility. They would be just the right size and they aren't terribly prolific.

 

[Galapoheros]

One spoiled diddly!:razz: Spoil that diddly!

 

[GiantVinegaroon]

How about convict cichlids? They're really easy to breed.

 

[P.jasonius]

That made me laugh Galapo.

Here are links for those that want to give me advice on feeding:
Diet is the 5th page down:
http://www.nwtf.org/NAWTMP/downloads/Literature/Eastern_Indigo_Snake.pdf

Caresheet I was recommended from several successful breeders of indigos:
http://www.indigosforever.org/index.php?pid=3
(quote from caresheet concerning feeding, though I don't necessarily agree with the goldfish part)
"Indigos are almost omnivorous, which means they will eat almost anything in the wild, other snakes included. Basically, they will devour anything which they can overpower, and swallow. But their jaws do not expand like most snakes, so they are limited as to the diameter of food items they can swallow. You won't feed jumbo rats, because they just can't swallow them. I feed rats, mice, quail, small bunnies, chicken parts, and fish,&so far. But I am always looking for new items to add to the menu. "

There are more caresheets on that site as well, if you care to take a look through them.

A lot of breeders have problems getting them to eat at first, scenting or starting feeding with fish, or even f/t 1-day old quail. So while we appreciate your willingness to offer advice on the subject of feeding, I assure you we've got it covered. I'm quite serious about the care of my Indigos. We were just wanting to know a good breeder fish, as 'Leila' stated, so we can have a healthy/ worry free source of fish at our home.
-Jason

 

[dtknow]

I avoided the mention of cichlids as they have quite prominent spines on their fins. They might be ok, but I'd probably trim off most of the fins prior to using. Gouramis aren't quite as bad in that regard.

 

[P.jasonius]

I avoided the mention of cichlids as they have quite prominent spines on their fins. They might be ok, but I'd probably trim off most of the fins prior to using. Gouramis aren't quite as bad in that regard.

I think we've decided on some kind of gourami. Something that would look good in feeding pics