kingsnake.com - reptile and amphibian classifieds, breeders, forums, photos, videos and more

return to main index

  mobile - desktop
follow us on facebook follow us on twitter follow us on YouTube link to us on LinkedIn
Click for 65% off Shipping with Reptiles 2 You  
Click here for Dragon Serpents
Locate a business by name: click to list your business
search the classifieds. buy an account
events by zip code list an event
Search the forums             Search in:
News & Events: Herp Photo of the Day . . . . . . . . . .  Meet The Baroness - The world's longest snake . . . . . . . . . .  Bay Area Herpetological Society Meeting - Feb 27, 2026 . . . . . . . . . .  DFW Herp Society Meeting - Feb 28, 2026 . . . . . . . . . .  Greater Cincinnati Herp Society Meeting - Mar 04, 2026 . . . . . . . . . .  Chicago Herpetological Society Meeting - Mar 15, 2026 . . . . . . . . . .  Colorado Herp Society Meeting - Mar 21, 2026 . . . . . . . . . .  Bay Area Herpetological Society Meeting - Mar 27, 2026 . . . . . . . . . .  DFW Herp Society Meeting - Mar 28, 2026 . . . . . . . . . .  Tucson Herpetological Society Meeting - Mar 30, 2026 . . . . . . . . . .  Greater Cincinnati Herp Society Meeting - Apr 01, 2026 . . . . . . . . . .  PACNWRS - Apr. 18-19, 2026 . . . . . . . . . . 

Caution about feeder fish


[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ Snapping Turtle Forum ]

Posted by Bill Moss on October 30, 2002 at 22:53:11:

In Reply to: solution posted by sk8r009 on October 30, 2002 at 14:54:56:

Many fish, including catfish, contain the enzyme thaiminase. Thaminase blocks thiamine (Vit. B1) and will build up over time. The effects of this can be paralysis. The carp family is particularly bad in this regard and thats why goldfish (members of the carp familiy) are such a terrible choice but one that is far too common because people don't know better.

In addition, fatty fish, especially frozen, cause a vit. E deficiency caused by an excess of polyunsaturated fats over a long period of time. The results are muscle dystrophy and steaditis, a potentially fatal condition.

I draw this information from my knowledge of crocodilian dietary requirements but have no reason to presume that it is any less important to all turtles. These are very real concerns to a variety of people involved with captive husbandry of animals, be it pets or or farm raised fur bearing animals.

There is much information on thiaminase on the internet. One resource that I have linked here is actually involved with the diet of foxes but the information is no less valid. Note that fish known to contain thiaminase are listed first, followed by fish that do not.

Bill



Follow Ups:




[ Follow Ups ] [ Snapping Turtle Forum ]
Click for 65% off Shipping with Reptiles 2 You Click to visit Sierra Fish and Pets Click to visit Brass Man Reptiles
KINGSNAKE.COM

Enjoy all our content free of charge with a user account that gives you full access to every feature. For added visibility, paid options are available - post in our Classifieds, showcase your business with Banner Ads or a Directory listing, promote reptile events, and more.

Quick Links
Community
Legal & Safety
Support

Register for free ✓ Sign up!

Kingsnake.com ® is a registered trademark © 1997-