How Long Can Fish Survive Without Food? All Fish Diet Chart!
Regular feeding is the key to keeping your aquarium fish healthy and alive.
You might be planning to go on a trip for a few days soon. But worried about who will feed the fish in the aquarium in your absence.
So started looking online for a quick search; how long can fish survive without food?
Fish in your healthy aquarium can survive for several days (3-7 days) without food. But it is wrong to let them go without food for more than two days.
The reason is fish need food not only for energy but also for their growth and development.
If fish are left without food for more than two days in an aquarium tank, their activity levels will decrease and make them more susceptible to disease.
So use vacation and auto feeders to take care of your aquarium fish while away.
In this article, I will tell you how different long types of fish can survive without food and what are some other things to consider when feeding your fish.
I will also share a diet chart for common aquarium fish so you can get an idea of how often to feed them.
Overview of fasting tolerance of freshwater aquarium fish
Before answering how long the fish in your aquarium tank can survive without food, you need to know their fasting tolerance.
Each fish comes to the aquarium tank with its own characteristics and have different fasting tolerances.
Add long fasting tolerance fish to your tank if you’re a travel junkie like me. Let’s look at a table listing the fasting tolerances of all the popular aquarium fish.
| Betta: | 1 to 2 weeks |
| Goldfish: | up to 10 days |
| Koi fish: | up to 2 weeks |
| Guppies: | 3 to 5 days |
| Danios: | 7 to 10 days |
| Tetras: | up to 10 days |
| Platies: | between 10 and 14 days |
| Mollies: | up to 2 weeks |
| Angelfish: | up to 1 week |
| Rasboras: | up to 1 week |
| African Cichlids: | up to 10 days |
| Plecos: | 10 to 14 days |
| Oscars: | up to 2 weeks |
| Swordtail fish: | Maximum of 14 days |
| Corydoras catfish: | up to 2 weeks |
| Barbs: | up to 14 days |
| Discus: | up to 14 days |
| Loaches: | up to 10 days |
| Gouramis: | up to 2 weeks |
Based on my observations of fish in my aquarium tank and other aquarium tank enthusiasts, I have made the above list.
The main thing to remember is that the larger the fish, the longer it can go without food. Smaller fish have a shorter fasting tolerance because they require more energy to survive.
If you are planning to take a vacation and don’t want to leave your fish unattended, I recommend adding long fasting-tasting fish to your tank. Guppies, Platies, and Mollies are just some options you have.
If you’re interested in trying something different, African cichlids and Oscar fish can also go for a long time without food.
Now you know the fasting tolerances of all the popular aquarium fish, so go ahead and add the ones that best suit your needs to your tank!
A great way to feed hungry tropical pet fish while you are on vacation
Taking aquarium fish with you on vacation or travel is foolish. Because it can make your favourite fish sick and even die.
So what do you do? Don’t worry; I think the best smart thing to do is use an automatic feeder.
An automatic feeder is the best solution for feeding your aquarium fish while you are away or on vacation.
So why wait? Let’s know the whole process well, step by step.
Add a Vacation feeder to the aquarium
Add a Vacation feeder to the aquarium a week before you leave.
If you are travelling for a week or more, the easiest option to feed the fish is to choose a vacation feeder.
There are two basic types of feeders:
- A calcium block
- Block food in fish
Benefits of choosing a holiday feeder for aquarium fish:
- Vacation feeders can feed your fish while you are away for up to 14 days.
- The block slowly dissolves in the water and releases food particles for the fish to consume.
- This is an excellent option if you are traveling for a short time and do not want to hassle setting up an automatic feeder.
- Calcium blocks help maintain water quality and prevent algae growth.
- Block food in fish is rich in nutrients and helps keep fish healthy.
Drawbacks of using a vacation feeder for aquarium fish:
- If not used properly, vacation feeders can pollute the water and cause algae blooms.
- Blocks can sometimes fall apart and clog filters.
- If the partnership does not dissolve completely, it can leave behind uneaten food that will decompose and pollute the water.
- Fish may become reliant on the block and stop eating other foods.
- Some fish may be unable to eat the block, significantly smaller fish.
An automatic fish feeder setup
Installing an automatic feeder is really very easy. You can do it yourself without professional help, and it will hardly take 10 minutes to set it up.
But before that, you need to understand the types of automatic feeders available in the market. And then, decide which one will be the best for your tropical fish.
There are two types of automatic feeders:
1. Battery-operated feeders
2. Mains operated feeders
Now let’s understand the working of both these types of automatic feeders one by one:
How does a battery-operated fish feeder work?
A battery-operated fish feeder is ideal for small aquariums or fish bowls.
It works on a simple mechanism. There is a small motor in the feeder that rotates the drum. The drum has tiny holes through which the food pellets are dispensed into the aquarium.
The number of food pellets dispensed can be adjusted according to the need. And the best part is it can be programmed to dispense food up to 4 times a day.
How does a mains-operated fish feeder work?
A mains-operated fish feeder is ideal for large aquariums.
It works on the same principle as the battery-operated feeder. But instead of a battery, it runs on electricity.
It has a large-capacity hopper that can store enough food pellets for weeks. The hopper is connected to a motor that rotates the drum and dispenses the food.
The mains-operated feeders are more expensive than the battery-operated ones. But they are much more reliable and have a longer lifespan.
Now that you know the types of automatic feeders available let’s look at how to set one up.
Setting up an automatic fish feeder:
- Choose a location for the feeder. It should be close to the aquarium but out of reach of the fish.
- Fill the hopper with fish food pellets. Make sure to use high-quality food that is rich in nutrients.
- Connect the feeder to the power source. If you are using a battery-operated feeder, insert batteries into the feeder.
- Set the timer according to the feeding schedule. Most automatic feeders have an inbuilt timer.
- That’s it! Your automatic fish feeder is now ready to use.
Benefits of using an automatic fish feeder:
- You can go on vacation without worrying about your fish getting fed.
- Automatic fish feeders are very reliable and have a long lifespan.
- They help to keep the water clean and free from pollution.
- Automatic fish feeders are available in different sizes and capacities. You can choose one according to your need.
- They are effortless to set up and use.
Drawbacks of using an automatic fish feeder:
- If not used properly, automatic fish feeders can pollute the water.
- If the timer is not set correctly, the fish may not get enough food.
- Automatic fish feeders are expensive.
- Some fish may become reliant on the feeder and stop eating other foods.
Fish Sitter
Another option for feeding your fish while you are away is to hire a fish sitter.
A fish sitter is someone who will come to your house and feed your fish according to the schedule. They will also clean the aquarium and do other maintenance work.
Hiring a fish sitter is an excellent option if you have a large aquarium. It is also a good option if you go away for a long time.
Benefits of hiring a fish sitter:
- Your fish will be well taken care of while you are away.
- They will ensure the aquarium is clean and the water quality is good.
- Fish sitters are usually experienced and know how to care for different types of fish.
Drawbacks of hiring a fish sitter:
- It can be expensive, especially if you have a large aquarium.
- You will have to trust someone else with the care of your fish.
Now that you know the different options for feeding your fish while you are away, you can choose the best option.
A battery-operated fish feeder is a good option if you have a small aquarium or fish bowl. A mains-operated feeder is a better option if you have a large aquarium.
Hiring a fish sitter is the best option if you have a large aquarium or are going away for a long time. But it is also the most expensive option.
Whichever option you choose, do your research and choose the one that is best for your fish.
How long can fish survive without food in an aquarium tank?
Fish can survive without food for a long time, depending on the fish species, water temperature, and other factors.
Some fish can go for weeks without food, while others will begin to starve after just a few days. Generally, most fish can survive for 2-3 weeks without food.
To know the correct answer to this question, you must first pay attention to a few things. The exact answer to how long fish can live without food can vary based on several factors:
How Active is your fish?
How long your fish can go without food will depend on how active your fish are.
The smaller the fish, the more active fish. Generally, smaller fish are more active, so they need frequent feeding.
Small fish like tetras and chilli rasbora in your aquarium should be fed 3-4 times a day. Larger fish like goldfish and cichlids can be fed once or twice a day.
The rule of thumb is to feed your fish as much as they can eat in 2-3 minutes.
Water Temperature
The water temperature in your aquarium will also affect how long your fish can survive without food.
In warmer water, fish metabolize food faster, so they need to eat more often. In cooler water, fish metabolize food slower, so they can go longer without eating.
Generally, most fish can survive in cool water (around 68-74 degrees Fahrenheit) for 2-3 weeks without food.
But in warmer water (80+ degrees Fahrenheit), most fish will only be able to survive for 1-2 weeks without food.
How big is your fish?
The size of your fish will also affect how long they can survive without food.
Larger fish have a slower metabolism, so they can go longer without eating. Smaller fish have a faster metabolism and need to eat more often.
As a general rule, most small fish can only survive for 1-2 weeks without food.
Larger fish, like goldfish, can survive for 2-3 weeks without food. But the largest fish, like whale sharks, can go without eating for 6 months or more!
The physical condition of fish
The physical condition of your fish will also play a role in how long they can survive without food.
If your fish are healthy and in good condition, they will be able to go longer without food than sick or injured fish.
Similarly, younger fish and fry have a faster metabolism and need to eat more often than older fish.
Generally, most fish can survive for 2-3 weeks without food. But if your fish are healthy and in good condition, they may be able to stay for 4 weeks or more without food.
If your fish are sick or injured, they may only be able to survive for a week or less without food.
last word
How long your fish can survive without food will depend on several factors, including the fish’s size, age, and health.
If your fish are sick or injured, they may only be able to survive for a week or less without food.
To be safe, it is always best to feed your fish at least once a week, even if you are away on vacation. This will ensure that your fish always have enough food and won’t starve while you’re gone.