The Thiaminase Debate

[Lori P]

I think it's kind of like... not so much trying to make excuses to use thiaminase containing fish, but more trying to find realistic ways of making these fish usable if they are the only thing we can find, or the only thing the snake will eat. At least, that's how I'm approaching it... if I can only find fat head minnows, then how can I make them less harmful...

[GarterGuy]

Actually a fish that someone had brought up before (can't remember who?) that's safe and available and VERY easy to breed are Platies. I'm actually starting up a tank of them myself so that I can occasionally give my garters some live fish to "play" with. I also like the fact of raising my own, since even with out the whole thiaminase thing.....there's the worry of parasites....but don't want to get into that here.

[Thamnophis]

Anyone had experiences with feeding Guppys (Poecilia reticulata)?

[gregmonsta]

Never had aproblem with guppies ... when I had my Ribbons the waterbowl became a warzone ... no ill effects either (they're on the 'safe' list aren't they?).

[drache]

quick question
do guppies come any larger than the fancy guppies (and I do know they are mostly fin)?

[gregmonsta]

I'm not sure ... I always bought about 6 females when I gave my Ribbons their treat

[Thamnophis]

I bought a small aquarium (60 x 30 x 30 cm) with pump, heater and filter etc.
For only 30 euro. Okay, it is used, but still is good.

I was planning to start breeding Guppys for the smaller snakes.
I have two T. cyrtopsis ocellatus juveniles that refuse to eat. I want to try it with Guppys. Only to get them started.

By the way... I found on this site: Thiaminase - The Aquarium Wiki the following:

Bacteria producing Thiaminase have been found in Guppies - Poecilia reticulata

[KITKAT]

Originally Posted by drache

quick question
do guppies come any larger than the fancy guppies (and I do know they are mostly fin)?

Common guppies (not as much fin) can be produced in large sizes with the following adjustments to their rearing:

1. The larger the body of water, the larger the guppy.
2. The warmer the body of water, within the temperatures tolerated by guppies, the faster they grow and the larger they get.
3. Selective breeding can increase the size of guppies.

Even with all that, you will not find a guppy larger than 1.5 inches in length. Females are always larger than males.

I believe there is a species of gambusia that is larger than most guppies. (?) Mollies are another option that is larger. But who knows the thiaminase properties of those species? Mollies live, grow, and reproduce best, in slightly brackish water.

[sschind]

To Kitkat's suggestions I would add

feeding often

changing lots of water.

lots of cover in the tank


The more you feed the faster and bigger they grow but the more the polute the water so the more water changes you have to do. I know fish breeders who feed 4 or 5 times a day and change 50% of the water or more every day. Floating plastic plants will give the babies a place to hide from the adults.

also, the changing lots of water can sort of offset the larger body of water since the water is more consistantly fresh which is probably more important than physical tank size.