Fish rank as the most diverse group of vertebrates in the world. Scientists recognize more than 34,000 different species and many more are waiting to be discovered. Most fish fall into the ray-finned group of bony fish. However, other groups include cartilaginous fish and jawless fish. Fish live at every depth and time of the marine environment, from surface feeders to bottom feeders and freshwater fish to saltwater fish. All fish have gills that allow them to breathe and limbs without numbers to help them navigate the water. Commercially, fish serve as an important food source for many populations. In addition, they are also one of the most common pets as they are relatively easy to care for. Almost everyone can name at least one species of fish, from the goldfish to the great white shark. However, can you also answer the question about “what do fish eat?”
In this article we take a closer look at the diet of different types of fish. We’ll explore what common foods they like to eat, and other foods they avoid. In addition, we will investigate how fish hunt and forage. Then we take a moment to examine the specifics of the diet of companion fish. We then end with a discussion about what baby fish eat. That said, let’s get ready for the question “what do fish eat?”