There\u2019s a dizzying array of fish foods out there, and sometimes, you might accidentally grab food formulated saltwater fish when you own freshwater fish.<\/p>\n

Can freshwater fish eat saltwater fish food? Technically yes, but they shouldn\u2019t because saltwater fish have different nutritional needs. If you run out of freshwater fish food, you can feed them live feed and certain human foods. Several alternative foods can fit your fish\u2019s needs.<\/strong><\/p>\n

If you do end up without fish food, you can easily assess what your fish requires and feed them surprisingly common foods.<\/p>\n

What Are the Differences Between Freshwater and Saltwater Fish?<\/h2>\n

Part of what makes people wonder whether freshwater fish can eat saltwater or marine fish food is the similarities between the two kinds of fish. While fish are certainly diverse in colors, size, and appearance, there aren\u2019t any significant anatomical differences between marine or freshwater fish.<\/p>\n

One difference is obvious \u2013 saltwater fish live in saltwater environments, while freshwater fish live in freshwater ecosystems. Marine fish process the salt in water differently than freshwater fish do.<\/p>\n

Freshwater environments are typically much more varied in water salinity, available food, and temperature, which makes freshwater fish much hardier. Saltwater fish environments don\u2019t change as much, which makes them less adaptable.<\/p>\n

Because their environments are different, their natural diets are different. For instance, you won\u2019t find a coral reef in a lake, so feeding a fish that lives in a lake something that\u2019s exclusively found near coral reefs probably won\u2019t be the best choice. That\u2019s one reason why you can\u2019t feed your freshwater fish saltwater fish food.<\/p>\n

What Do Fish Typically Eat?<\/h2>\n