Turtles are omnivores based on their dietary preferences. It means at the same time, they are herbivores and carnivores. Carnivore’s food habit is that they mostly eat meat. Since turtles are carnivores, it is a fundamental question for many of us: Do turtles eat fish? As a carnivore animal, it is so typical for many turtle species, especially aquatic turtles, to eat fish.
But not all fish are good for turtles, and not all turtles like fish, either. Today, we will discuss this question – do turtles eat fish? In that case, what types of fish do they eat, and which turtle species prefer to eat fish? Let’s get started.
Table of Contents
Do Turtles Eat Fish?
Yes, turtles can eat fish. Turtles’ diets depend on their species. Many aquatic turtles eat small fish, as they get this food in their living surroundings. While some turtles, like snapping turtles, eat fish, others prefer plants or insects.
It’s essential to know your turtle’s dietary needs. If you need more clarification, consult a vet or reptile expert.
Feeding Patterns and Fish in Turtle Diets
Like humans, turtles enjoy a balanced diet. Most are omnivores, meaning they eat both plants and animals. This diverse diet helps keep them healthy and energetic.
Preference for fish: Many turtles, especially omnivorous turtles, prefer to eat fish. They love the taste and the nutrients they get from munching on fish. It’s like their version of a yummy meat snack. But do not think that all turtle species like fish. Some turtle species, like the map or musk turtle, do not eat fish.
Fish-catching habit of turtles: Just like people, turtles have their preferences. Some pet turtles might like to have their food handed to them by their caring owners. As pet turtles are used to living in captivation, they may not want to go through the hassle of catching fish themselves. Some turtles tend to catch small fish in tanks and savor them. However, it depends on the type of turtle.
Risks of Certain Fish Species: While turtles might love fish, not all fish are safe for them to eat. Some fish species can be harmful if they share a tank with turtles. It’s important to choose fish that won’t cause any problems for your turtle friend.
Which Fishes are Safe for Turtles?
As we just stated, not every type of fish is safe for turtles. You must look for some criteria before choosing the right fish for your turtle, such as less bonefish or without bone, fat-free, and thiamine-free fish.
Here is a list of some safe fish for turtles –
- Bluegills
- Bass
- Guppies
- Crappies
- Neon tetra
- Mosquitofish
- Killifish
- Platies
- Pictus catfish
What Types of Fishes Should be Avoided for Turtles?
Before feeding your turtles, it is essential to be aware of what types of fish you should avoid. Let’s look at some of the avoiding criteria for choosing fish types –
High-Fat Fish
You should avoid high-fat fish for turtles. Turtles digest lean fish quickly. Some fish, like goldfish and rosy barbs, have too much fat for turtles, leading to health issues. Some of the high-fat fishes are:
- Goldfish
- Rosy Barbs
- Kribensis Cichlids
Sharp Or Too Many Bones
Avoid fish with sharp bones, like angelfish and swordtails, to prevent internal injuries in turtles. Fish without bones or fish with fewer bones are ideal for turtles. Sharp bones can injure your turtle’s mouth. Some of these fishes are:
- Swordtails
- Angelfish
- Cockatoo Cichlid
- Bichir
Fast Swimming Speed
Fast-moving fishes are hard for turtles to catch. Fish that swim moderately are easy for turtles to catch. It’s easy for small, fast fish like neon tetras to escape turtles, which causes breeding. Some of the fast swimming fishes are:
- Neon Tetra
- Tiger Barb
- Zebrafish
Thiaminase Fish
Thiamine-containing fishes are bad for turtles. Select fish without thiaminase. It is a substance that breaks down an essential vitamin called thiamine. Thiaminase in fish like bullhead catfish can block thiamine absorption, which is crucial for turtle metabolism. Some of the thiaminase fishes are:
- Bullhead Catfish
- Goldfish
- Spottail Shiners
- Fathead Minnows
- Gizzard Shad
- Carp
- Buckeye Shiners
Bacteria Affected Fish
If you want to add fish to a turtle tank, avoid adding unclean wild-caught fish to a turtle tank due to harmful bacteria exposure. You should stick to pet shop-bred fish. Ensure the fish you choose are clean and free of harmful bacteria that could make your turtle sick.
Which Turtle Species Do Not Eat Fish?
The following turtles don’t seem to be interested in fish or harm them.
- Asian river turtle
- Mask turtles,
- Map turtles
- Suwannee Cooter
- Yellow-spotted river turtle
Herbivore turtles are the ideal choice if you want fish and turtles to coexist harmoniously in the same tank. These turtles eat plants and do not prey on fish.
How Much Fish Should You Give Your Turtle?
It’s important to ensure that your turtle eats a variety of foods so that it doesn’t become reliant on one thing. As an occasional treat, you can add fish to your turtle’s diet to keep it varied and prevent them from getting picky. If you feed fish too frequently, turtles will not eat other foods and won’t get the essential nutrients they need.
To prevent turtles from getting hooked, you shouldn’t give them fish treats more than 2-4 times a month. However, this amount is flexible and will depend on your turtle species. Feed your turtle fish at different times and quantities and monitor their reactions and health.
Feeding Your Turtle Feeder Fish: Tips and Tricks
- When turtles eat, they can make a mess in their tank, especially if it’s raw dead fish, which results in cloudy water.
- If you want to avoid this mess, feed your turtle in a separate container filled with water and only the amount it needs.
- After your turtle finishes eating, let it stay in the container for a few extra minutes to calm down. Then, return to the tank.
- Small fish are better for turtles than large ones.
FAQs
Do sea turtles eat fish?
Yes, they do. In fact, sea turtles have quite a diverse diet. They enjoy eating a variety of foods like fish, jellyfish, lobsters, crustaceans, and snails. However, the exact menu can differ based on the species of sea turtle.
A loggerhead turtle likes hard-shelled creatures like lobsters and crustaceans, while a green turtle likes seagrasses, seaweed, and algae as it grows.
Do snapping turtles eat fish?
As freshwater turtles, snapping turtles eat fish. They’re quite adaptable eaters. They’re omnivores, which means they’ll chow down on just about anything that fits in their mouths. Depending on what’s available in their environment, they eat everything from tuna to bass, goldfish to eels.
Do box turtles eat fish?
Sure! Box turtles are omnivores, meaning they eat both plants and animals. While they may occasionally snack on small freshwater fish like minnows or tadpoles, it’s not a regular part of their diet.
Do pond turtles eat fish?
No, pond turtles typically don’t eat live fish. Although they share similar diets with fish, such as plants and insects, pond turtles need to be faster to catch them. Instead, they prefer eating dead fish.
Do turtles eat fish food?
Yes, pond turtles can eat fish food, but it shouldn’t be their sole diet. Fish food is high in protein and formulated for fish growth, but it lacks the essential vitamins and minerals that turtles need.
Do turtles eat fish in ponds?
Some aquatic turtle species may eat small fish in ponds. However, pond turtles do not eat living fish from their inhabitants.
Do painted turtles eat fish?
Painted turtles can eat fish, but they need to be careful and eat it in moderation. Their diet mainly consists of insects and plants in the wild, but they also consume invertebrates, algae, and other foods.
Do red eared slider turtles eat fish?
Yes, red eared slide does eat fish. Red-eared slider turtles, being omnivores, enjoy both animal and plant-based diets. Generally, they like small fish snacks such as comet goldfish and minnows.
What fish do turtles eat?
Turtles can eat feeder fish, which have low fat and few bones. Bluegills, bass, and crappies are preferred as they lack harmful thiamine. Additionally, guppies, killifish, platies, and mosquitofish provide variety and enrichment.
Do turtles eat fish eggs?
Yes, some aquatic turtles enjoy fish eggs as a food source. Species like pond turtles, including freshwater, snapping, and painted turtles, typically consume fish eggs and may even disturb fish nests in search of them.
Do turtles eat koi fish?
The answer varies depending on the turtle species and the size of the koi fish. Turtles, especially carnivorous turtles, can eat small koi fish if they’re within reach. If the koi fish are young, they can be eaten by turtles.
Read More: Can Turtles Eat Green Beans?
Final Thought
So, do turtles eat fish? It’s a question with no clear answer, as it depends on factors like the turtle species and its dietary preferences. While some turtles, like snapping turtles, are avid fish hunters, others may not show much interest in fish at all.