Minnows?

[RedSidedSPR]

Gotcha thanks.
I'll get silversides for know.

[ConcinusMan]

Just make sure they're the right species. San Francisco Brand - Sally's silversides are the best IMO. They come in a frozen flat. Unlike some other brands, these are frozen in a bit of water. Keeps them fresh and looking like they're still alive. The species is Hypomesus olidus or "Arctic pond smelt". Doesn't actually live in ponds though. It's a freshwater fish found in cold rivers in the Arctic.

[RedSidedSPR]

Where do ya get 'em?

[Sonya610]

Just make sure they're the right species. San Francisco Brand - Sally's silversides are the best IMO. They come in a frozen flat. Unlike some other brands, these are frozen in a bit of water. Keeps them fresh and looking like they're still alive. The species is Hypomesus olidus or "Arctic pond smelt". Doesn't actually live in ponds though. It's a freshwater fish found in cold rivers in the Arctic.

If they don't have that brand available do the packages actually say Artic Pond Smelt? I don't see it on that package. My local store said htey are carrying them this week but I would bet it may not be the same brand.

[ConcinusMan]

If they're sold as frozen fish food and say "silversides" they are arctic pond smelt. They aren't true smelt and sometimes the ones sold as food for people are called "silversides" but they are true smelt and contain thiaminase. The only place I know locally to get the Sally's is Petco and they aren't cheap, but still cheaper than live guppies. To make them go a bit farther, you could feed mostly tilapia but throw in a few whole silversides while you're at it.

You can try petco/petsmart or any place that sells aquarium supplies and live fish.

[Sonya610]

the ones sold as food for people are called "silversides" but they are true smelt and contain thiaminase.

You can try petco/petsmart or any place that sells aquarium supplies and live fish.

That is good to know, someone here mentioned they could buy them at their grocery store and they probably do not know those contain thiaminase. I have one pet supply 30 minutes away that sometimes carries them, they have them this week and I will make sure they are labeled as fish food.

[ConcinusMan]

Actually, the silversides sold as fish food (arctic pond smelt) are also harvested for human consumption. It's just that I've often seen packages of little fish sold in stores around my area, called "silversides" and those were true smelt. Not the safe kind. You can only tell the difference by the fins. Smelt and Baitfish - RecFIN

Silversides (safe arctic pond smelt) do not have an adipose fin while Osmerids (true smelt containing thiaminase) do have an adipose fin.

[RedSidedSPR]

Well what do ya know, that's what I just got!! That's a first. My local stores actually HAD SOMETHING!!

[ConcinusMan]

A few true smelt as part of a nutritious, varied diet aren't going to do much harm anyway. They do have thiaminase but not near as much as goldfish or minnows.