Can Aptasia be processed into food ?

[ShakeyGizzard]

Hmm, and I see it in a different light.

I don't see any harm in making a small batch to see how the fish respond.

I have no clue what the nutritional value is, if any.

If they don't eat it, no harm no foul.

If they do, you might spark an interest in eating the live ones.

With all that said, I wouldn't hold my breath hoping for the latter.

well it looks like there is venom of some sort in the aptasia, cant add that to food

 

[ShakeyGizzard]

nobody knows until its tried

 

[MnFish1]

nobody knows until its tried

LOL it seems like you're talking on both sides of the issue. In one post you're saying 'oh - I won't do it there is a toxin', in the next 'nobody knows until it's tried'? There is a big difference between letting a fish choose to eat Aiptasia, and grinding it up and feeding it to all of your fish. Even many 'Aiptasia eating fish' do not eat it. I'm not criticizing you but I am interested in your actual opinion

 

[ShakeyGizzard]

I wonder if it could have the potential of being a transitional food source for picky copperbands. For ones that already eat aiptasia then maybe it would entice them to eat frozen.
As for nutritional values, I doubt there is much but I am just guessing.

this would be best as breed specific food

 

[ISpeakForTheSeas]

While this definitely wouldn't be good for a generalist feed, I'd be curious to know the nutritional content and composition of Aiptasia (or similar nems), and it could potentially be good for specialist feeders (like some butterflyfish, filefish, etc.) as a training food (for training to eat frozen or training to eat Aiptasia).

That said, this really makes me wonder if frozen Aiptasia could be used to feed Berghia nudibranchs.

 

[ShakeyGizzard]

LOL it seems like you're talking on both sides of the issue. In one post you're saying 'oh - I won't do it there is a toxin', in the next 'nobody knows until it's tried'? There is a big difference between letting a fish choose to eat Aiptasia, and grinding it up and feeding it to all of your fish. Even many 'Aiptasia eating fish' do not eat it. I'm not criticizing you but I am interested in your actual opinion

I was under the impression aptasia did not sting, but then again I have not had to deal with them yet. A post was mad describing possibility of venom in them. Then the post about feed to aptasia eating fish or inverts. So yes, I'm still bouncing all over the place about this idea

 

[ShakeyGizzard]

That said, this really makes me wonder if frozen Aiptasia could be used to feed Berghia nudibranchs.

BOOM, we have a winner. If possible this could change the landscape as far as keeping them alive

 

[Katrina71]

I have been stung. It was mild, but I also have very fair/sensitive skin.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Our foods at least most have nutritional values for our fish and while I respect the theory, we dont know if the cells which allow them to spread would pose an issue even when frozen. We strive to eliminate them from our tanks and i sure dont want them in my food with the number of options we have for added food source

 

[vetteguy53081]

Our foods at least most have nutritional values for our fish and while I respect the theory, we dont know if the cells which allow them to spread would pose an issue even when frozen. We strive to eliminate them from our tanks and i sure dont want them in my food with the number of options we have for added food source

 

[jerrod]

Only benefit I see of trying this isn't necessarily for fish food but more of training in a separate tank for peppermint shrimp, copperband, or matted filefish. With the peppermints I had they wouldn't go after aptasia until I damaged one then they got a taste for it. Similar to isolating a mandarin and slowly adding brine to train them towards that as an additional source.

 

[MnFish1]

BOOM, we have a winner. If possible this could change the landscape as far as keeping them alive

I do not think it can be - BUT - the place to ask is the place that sells Bergia. Which would be interesting to hear what they feed theirs.

 

[MnFish1]

Only benefit I see of trying this isn't necessarily for fish food but more of training in a separate tank for peppermint shrimp, copperband, or matted filefish. With the peppermints I had they wouldn't go after aptasia until I damaged one then they got a taste for it. Similar to isolating a mandarin and slowly adding brine to train them towards that as an additional source.

The issue I see - is that breaking up Aiptasia - results (normally) - in a total invasion. However, without proper freezing techniques, the cells of a eukaryote (non-bacteria) will break apart.

 

[ShakeyGizzard]

The issue I see - is that breaking up Aiptasia - results (normally) - in a total invasion. However, without proper freezing techniques, the cells of a eukaryote (non-bacteria) will break apart.

Posible quick freeze with dry ice ? but still may be mush when thawed.

 

[MnFish1]

Posible quick freeze with dry ice ? but still may be mush when thawed.

Why are you concerned about this. As you yourself said - its a dumb idea

 

[ShakeyGizzard]

interested in keeping Berghia nudibranch alive

 

[ShakeyGizzard]

It appears that as a regular fish food additive, aptasia is a no go, most fish avoid aptasia due to the nematocysts in the aptasia. But could be feasible for predators of aptasia

 

[jerrod]

I think the start is fairly easy take a few aptasia, freeze them, thaw them in a cup of aquarium water and see if they even retain there shape or if they just melt into slime. If that happens this whole debate might be for nothing. if they keep consistency you can progress the experiment. I really don't know if the experiment is worth it in the long run other than satisfying curiosity. You could easily set up a separate tank to breed aptasia and berghia. What is the benefit of freezing to make into food?

 

[MnFish1]

It appears that as a regular fish food additive, aptasia is a no go, most fish avoid aptasia due to the nematocysts in the aptasia. But could be feasible for predators of aptasia

No actually no one knows - multiple fish that 'eat' Aiptasia - do not eat it. You could damage them with a general food.

 

[MnFish1]

I think the start is fairly easy take a few aptasia, freeze them, thaw them in a cup of aquarium water and see if they even retain there shape or if they just melt into slime. If that happens this whole debate might be for nothing. if they keep consistency you can progress the experiment. I really don't know if the experiment is worth it in the long run other than satisfying curiosity. You could easily set up a separate tank to breed aptasia and berghia. What is the benefit of freezing to make into food?

They will melt into nothing. You can not freeze and refreeze eukaryotes - like an aiptaisia this way - but he is determined - God bless