Few people have ever wondered about what type of food fish like. After all, isn’t that obvious? They either eat other, smaller animals (like shrimps or worms) or consume commercial pellets easily bought from most stores.
Cheese is not what we think first regarding the topic of fish-related diets. But now that someone mentions it, we are sure you cannot help but ask yourself: Should I feed cheese to my pet fish? Can fish eat cheese or not?
Once again, we always have got your back. This detailed guideline will explain and discuss whether our beloved fish could live off cheese products. Keep scrolling for more!
Contents
Can Fish Eat Cheese Or Not? What Is The Truth?
No.
Cheese has always been known as a wonderful protein source. Not only humans but even fish are attracted to them! Unfortunately, we strongly suggest against feeding them cheese, which would destroy their body structure entirely. More specifically, here are some reasons why fish and cheese do not go well with each other:
1. Why Cheeses Are Not Recommended For Your Fishes
Cheese Is Not Designed for Fish Digestion System
Let us remind you again: these creatures belong to aquatic organism categories that live only in waterways. Their body parts and systems have evolved to consume foods available underwater.
In short, their digestive functions can only digest material exclusively regional to fish. And where on earth can we find cheese – a dairy dish – in water? The answer is none!
High in proteins, cheeses are produced from milk via enzymes and bacteria, which the fish systems cannot decompose.
It Has Too Much Fat Than Required
Unlike humans, fish never need too much fat to thrive in their living environments, which is why most of their favorite foods are fat-low. But cheese is notorious for containing excessive fat, making your fish obese!
And do you know what can happen? Obesity results in the fish sinking further under the water, losing its natural ability to move around and swim. A fish that cannot swim is no longer a fish; you will destroy its entire lifespan!
Excessive Chemical Content
Of course, natural cheeses exist, but modern technology and production methods mean more chemical-related manufacturing is involved in making commercial cheese. Most brands and corporations believe a dash of chemicals will give the food a more lingering aroma and draw more buyers.
You don’t need us to tell you how these microorganisms and chemicals can be extremely toxic to our beloved sea creatures. Not to mention, throwing cheese into the aquarium will contaminate the water, affecting all other aquatic life like plants and bushes – not just fish!
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2. Some Exception
Albeit not common, there are still a lot of fishes that munch on cheeses. Whether you raise them in the tank or want to use cheese as fishing bait, note down their names listed below!
Catfish
Catfish like foods with strong odors – and this seems to apply to cheese as well. That’s why many people like to use cheeses as tempting bait when going fishing. So far, no actual bodily harm has been recorded in these fish, meaning cheese is safe enough for their digestion.
Tench
These bottom-feeding creatures are content with almost any food. Cheeses are another excellent option to feed them – provided that they consume these foods in moderate amounts for each go. Like how carp hunt foods in winter, tench also uses their extraordinary senses of smell to detect cheeses.
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Trout
The cheese’s smell and visibility can attract dozens of trouts if you know the right technique!
Any cheese type can draw them in, but those who go fishing must learn the proper baiting strategy. For instance, the cheeses can get hardened in cold water and lose all of their smell, meaning your bait may fail miserably. Also, ensure the hook point is visible.
Bluegill
Bluegill can also eat cheese. However, your cheese distribution in these cases should be the same as how you treat trouts – in small and moderate chunks. For fishkeepers, only use mild-flavored cheese/cheese paste in very tiny portions!
Goldfish
Goldfish is undoubtedly the most popular pet fish on the list. They usually feed on fish foods (like pellets). But occasionally, letting them digest human food is fine, including cheese.
Still, only feed them small cheese pieces (preferably without excessive fat and chemicals), and remember not to do so too regularly. Otherwise, their digestive system will suffer, which can even lead to their untimely death!
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Betta Fish
Since bettas are carnivorous, they like to dive into foods with lots of protein, such as human foods or certain insects. And cheese is also one of their favorites!
Unfortunately, their ability to break down fats is not impressive; and cheese always goes with high-fat levels. Hence, like trout, goldfish, and bluegills, they can only eat a very small quantity during short periods.
If you are unsure about your betta’s well-being, do not try feeding it cheese products just to check whether it can consume them or not. You will regret it later!
FAQs
1. Is Cheese The Best Fishing Bait Out There?
It’s good, but certainly not the best. Cheeses tend to dry out quickly, which is not good if you like to sit for hours fishing.
2. What Should I Do If My Pet Fish Become Bloated Due to Cheeses?
Raise the tank temperature to about 90 degrees F and feed it some antibiotics every few hours. If the situation does not improve, take it to the vet.
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Conclusion
Can fish eat cheese or not? We have answered this burning question for you. While it’s true that SOME fishes can digest them, our verdict is that you should not use too much cheese for your pet fish. That said, when it comes to fishing baits, they can work perfectly!
For more questions, feel free to contact us!
