Greenside darters are very delicate when they first hatch, and even very small changes in feeding or water quality can cause death. They begin feeding on plankton 8 days after hatching and after about 2 weeks the fry start going to the bottom of the body of water and acting like adults.

What do baby darters eat?

Insects and other aquatic animals, including tortoises, may also be eaten, as well as some vegetable matter. In hot weather, adult birds may pour water from their bills into the gullets of their young chicks when they are still in the nest.

What should I feed my darters?

Different species of darter have different habits, but most darters are insectivorous, feeding on insects, insect larvae, and small crustaceans. Darters are generally bottom feeders so you may be able to feed them sinking wafers and pellets as well as some live or frozen foods.