Hand feeding friendly fish will be easier than feeding delicate fish that are shy or less sociable. [2] X Research source
It’s best not to try this with a new fish you have just bought or moved to a new aquarium. Your fish needs time to acclimate to its new surroundings.
Smaller fish, like goldfish or betta fish, typically like flake food or small pellets of food. Larger fish like koi enjoy large pellets of food. [4] X Research source
If you accidentally scare the fish with noise or movement, wait a few minutes and try again! Startled fish will usually come back to you if they are hungry. [6] X Research source
If you’re nervous about using your hand, you can hold the food in long tweezers instead of your fingers. [8] X Research source
Remember to follow feeding guidelines depending on a fish’s breed and size. [10] X Research source
If the fish swim away and don’t come back, remove your hand and try it again until they remain. [12] X Research source
The first fish to eat will be the bravest, or hungriest. Once one fish begins to eat from your hand, the other less brave fish will follow it. Be patient and let the fish come to you. [14] X Research source
Some fish like koi eat lots of things: fish food, plants, bugs, even human food like fruit or rice. [16] X Research source
The amount of food a fish needs depends on its breed, size and type. [18] X Research source
Most fish only need to be fed once a day, or fed smaller portions twice a day. [20] X Research source
