Silversides???

[Mix]

I very much wanted to get hold of some frozen silversides for Lily, since she seems to be a picky, fish-only snake and I want some extra variety. Can anyone conclusively tell me what they are known as in the UK? And whther you know of any suppliers?
I have found various references stating that they are whitebait (which are also ambiguous), sprat, herring and smelt, and on the thiaminase list herring and smelt both have ok and not ok entries (dependant on area) and sprat are not on there at all. :confused:

[Stefan-A]

Silversides aren't just one species. That name applies to more than a dozen genera. Unless there's a scientific name mentioned, it's hopeless to figure out whether they're safe.

Herring, European sprat and all species of smelt except Osmerus eperlanus contain thiaminase.

[Mix]

Thank you. This was my concern, so I'm glad to have it clarified. Do you know of any small fish suitable for feeding whole?

[gregmonsta]

Short of breeding your own guppies or buying trout fry from a local fish farm chances are quite slim unfortunately.
With adequate supplementation some of the lower level thiaminase fish are still possible ... it just comes down to how you supplement and adjust for the imbalance.

[Mix]

I would be aftraid of not getting it right. I guess she will have to be whole-fish-free! I'll have a scout around, but don't hold out much hope.
I already supplement with calcium with D3, since she's so fussy. :(

[gregmonsta]

Personally, I'm quite happy with fish fillet. I add pinkies/fluffs nowadays but fish fillet and supplementing the water has always been a part of my keeping experience.
My WC ribbon is quite happy to eat fishy fluffs as well as salmon and trout fillet. What have to tried to introduce other foods so far?

[ConcinusMan]

I wrote emails to two of the major brands of "silversides" sold in pet stores in my area. They both confirmed that their silversides are Hypomesus olidus or Arctic Pond Smelt, which are thiaminase-free.

[PINJOHN]

i spotted some tilapia on the fish counter in my local supermarket, how do they stand in the garter safe food recipe book

[guidofatherof5]

Tilapian is on the safe list. I would be concerned as to where it is from.
I would avoid any products of China.
http://www.thamnophis.com/forum/husbandry/6654-safe-fish-list.html

[Spankenstyne]

Everything "silverside" here seems to be Odontesthes regia which I can't find on either list (or any of the other common names like Chilean Silverside, Peruvian Silverside, Pejerry etc), but I assume to contain thiaminase. Too bad as they are really inexpensive and available whole frozen.

[ConcinusMan]

San Fransisco Brand - Sally's silversides... SAFE (sold as fish food)
Ocean Nutrition silversides... SAFE (also sold as fish food)

Both are usually available at petco or petsmart.

[Mix]

We used to have Petsmarts here, but they've been gone a while now :(
Can't find either of those brands available anywhere.

Will try worms again, but I'll order some since my back garden is frozen like rock ;)

[gregmonsta]

;) I was googling my local area for fish farms today. Will be investigating prices on rainbow or brown trout fry of an acceptable size.

I'll be checking for potential bombs like water-treatment feed etc too :rolleyes: