Red mosquito larvae

All about the red mosquito larvae (Red Mülas): Feed fish with red ones mosquito larvae is the order of the day for many aquarists and in many aquariums. But what are red mosquito larvae anyway? Where do these occur? You can red mosquito larvae breed yourself? How should you feed red mosquito larvae? Which fish like to eat red mosquito larvae? We will address all of these questions in this Guides describe the red bloodworm in more detail. In our guide to Feeding the ornamental fish we have already given general advice on what to consider.

 

 

What are mosquito larvae anyway?

Before we go into detail about feeding our ornamental fish with mosquito larvae, we first want to explain what red mosquito larvae actually are. Surely not every beginner in aquaristics can imagine something like this. Put simply, mosquito larvae are the offspring of mosquitoes and flies. These grow in water or in damp areas. They can be found in lakes, swamps and ponds. There are several subspecies and differences, which can usually only be distinguished by the color in the larval stage.

Compared to the fly larvae, which develop accordingly as maggots at a young age, the form of the mosquito larvae is different. Red mosquito larvae can be recognized quite well by the shape of the head, which can already be seen in a larva. Furthermore, they have a worm-like appearance.

If you look for the mosquito larvae in a body of water, you should usually do this on the water surface, because they usually attach themselves to it and hang upside down. It also has a kind of barb that makes this possible.

 

What is the difference between red, white and black mosquito larvae?

In the press and specialist literature, one not only reads about the red mosquito larvae, but there you can also read about white mosquito larvae and black mosquito larvae. What are the differences here, one wonders. Basically, this is also very simple, because the difference lies in the respective further development step when it comes to the mosquito. Thus, red mosquito larvae become Chironomidae, while the black mosquito larvae later become Culicidae. Much to the chagrin of the people. The white mosquito larva becomes the Chaoboridae mosquito. But all of them are rather unpopular with humans. Therefore, the mosquito larvae are fought, especially in the summer months. Not only fish in the lakes and ponds are predators of the mosquito larvae, but the mosquito larvae are even attacked with chemical agents. Again and again you can see targeted spraying against the spread of the larvae. But this is about the aquarium inhabitants and in particular about our ornamental fish.

The red mosquito larva is also available in specialist shops all year round, while the black mosquito larva is usually only available seasonally. But this seems to be the most valuable for the fish. Nevertheless, the red mosquito larvae are much better known when it comes to feeding in the aquarium.

 

Which fish can I feed red mosquito larvae?

Before you think about feeding the red mosquito larvae, you should know exactly what your stock is. The Composition of ornamental fish in the aquarium naturally plays a decisive role in feeding. On the one hand, you should know the profiles very well. This is the only way to offer the fish a nutritious and balanced diet. This, in turn, is very important for positive development. In some species, this also plays a major role in breeding. Whether your fish likes and tolerates the red fly larvae, you should check in Characteristics find out. There are species where the mosquito larvae can also pose a threat.

For example, cichlids often experience constipation and digestive problems when overindulged in red bloodworms. Guppy and co, on the other hand, also like this meal very much.

 

 

Where can I get mosquito larvae from?

If you want to feed the black mosquito larvae, you can usually find them in our rain barrels in summer. You should also be able to get the white mosquito larvae from specialist retailers quite often.

Each of the mosquito larvae mentioned also has a different sinking behaviour. The red mosquito larva sinks to the ground quite quickly and is therefore a welcome change for catfish and co.

 

Mosquito larvae as fish food in many variations

In addition to the variations of the red, white and black mosquito larvae mentioned above, there are also significant differences in the way they are stored.

 

mosquito larvae are available in different dosage forms. On the one hand as live food or also in the frozen state as frozen food. In addition, almost all mosquito larvae can also be found in the dried state, as you can from the staple food kennt.

 

• Live red mosquito larvae
• Frozen food with red mosquito larvae
• Dried red mosquito larvae

 

If you want to buy mosquito larvae, you can do so either online in various shops or in pet shops and retailers. They are offered there depending on availability and the season. They are usually always available as frozen food and also as dry food, although they may sometimes not be available as live food.

 

Live food of red mosquito larvae

If you want to feed your fish a special treat, you should occasionally use live red mosquito larvae. Live food is very popular with fish and also corresponds to their natural instincts. The hunting behavior of the animals is thus stimulated. They have to actively take care of the food and are not given it bit by bit. If you use red mosquito larvae alive, you should pay attention to a few things.

On the one hand, you should only ever feed fresh mosquito larvae, as these can become old and spoiled very quickly. Here it is only a matter of buying fresh goods and then feeding them straight away.

You also have to be careful when it comes to portioning. Only feed as much as the fish will eat. Imagine you give too many red mosquito larvae and they multiply in your tank at home. This should of course be avoided at all costs. Therefore only feed bits and pieces.

The way food is Storage of mosquito larvae should be carried out accordingly. We recommend storing them for only a few days (if it has to be at all). It should be cool though. The fridge is best for this.

Also too much Feed should be avoided at all costs, because rotting and spoilage play a major role here. The most important things here again in short form.

 

 

 

Red mosquito larvae frozen food

In addition to the above-mentioned presentation of the red mosquito larvae as live food, presentation in the frozen state is also very popular. This has some advantages compared to live feeding and also compared to the dried kind. Especially with the dried kind, many nutrients are no longer available, so that the frozen state should be preferred.

Storage is also much easier here, although you should of course have a freezer compartment or a chest freezer or a freezer. The expiry date also applies here. Any existing expiry date must also be observed.

There are two ways of feeding. Either you feed the mosquito larvae directly while they are still frozen or you thaw them first. Both options have advantages and disadvantages. However, we recommend thawing the larvae beforehand. This also makes portioning easier. Because here, too, it is important not to feed too much. The food should not spoil in the aquarium, but be taken up by the fish straight away.

A certain portioning is recommended even in the frozen state. Then the most important things about the red mosquito larvae in the frozen state.

 

 

Dry food with red mosquito larvae

Certainly the easiest way is to buy dried red mosquito larvae. Unfortunately, this is probably the worst method in terms of nutrients and species-appropriate feeding. Nevertheless, it can be a change for the ornamental fish. Especially when it's the vacation replacement should feed.

 

 

Catch or breed red mosquito larvae, black mosquito larvae and white mosquito larvae yourself

It would also be advantageous to offer the fish live food. In the cold months, however, this will be difficult, although in spring and summer there are many ways to get at the mosquito larvae. Be it in a lake or in nearby ponds. In addition, there are plenty of mosquito larvae even in puddles of water or in rain barrels. Unfortunately, this method also harbors some dangers that you should weigh up carefully before you go hunting for mosquito larvae yourself.

On the one hand, one never knows exactly what the pollution of the waters looks like where the mosquito larvae are caught. Carrying out a water test here is usually too time-consuming. Furthermore, by catching the mosquito larvae you can also bring other unwelcome residents into the aquarium. You should also be aware of this risk.

We therefore advise against collecting red mosquito larvae yourself or even breeding them. If so, it only makes sense in rainwater, because this can change the water values ​​accordingly anyway.

It is better to buy the mosquito larvae (red muelas) in specialist shops for little money before you take too much risk here.

If you have any questions about red, black or white mosquito larvae, you are welcome to send them to kontakt @ aquaristik.org and we will answer them accordingly.