What do small fishes feed on?

Small fishes have a diverse diet depending on their size, species, and habitat. Here are some common food sources for small fish:

Plankton:

* Phytoplankton: Microscopic algae that are the base of the aquatic food chain.

* Zooplankton: Tiny animals like copepods, rotifers, and larval crustaceans.

Insects:

* Larvae: Mosquito larvae, midge larvae, and other aquatic insect larvae.

* Adult insects: Mayflies, dragonflies, and other insects that fall into the water.

Other invertebrates:

* Worms: Earthworms, bloodworms, and other worms that live in the water.

* Crustaceans: Small shrimps, crabs, and other crustaceans.

* Mollusks: Small snails, clams, and other mollusks.

Other fishes:

* Smaller fish: Some small fish are carnivorous and prey on even smaller fish.

Detritus:

* Dead organic matter: Small fish can also feed on decaying plant and animal matter.

Specific examples:

* Guppies: Primarily eat algae, insects, and small crustaceans.

* Neon tetras: Eat flakes, live food, and frozen food like bloodworms.

* Goldfish: Can eat algae, flakes, and small insects.

* Betta fish: Feed on live food like bloodworms, mosquito larvae, and brine shrimp.

Factors influencing diet:

* Habitat: Fish in different environments will have access to different food sources.

* Size: Smaller fish typically eat smaller prey, while larger fish can consume larger prey.

* Species: Different species have different dietary needs and preferences.

It's important to note that this is a general overview and there are many variations depending on the specific species of fish.