IQF smelt - 1 kg

Package: 1kg
Size: 5-8cm
Pieces per kilogram: 190-240

IQF (individually quick frozen) – a product that is individually and rapidly frozen. Each item is frozen separately to prevent sticking and to facilitate portioning.

Smelt (Osmerus eperlanus) is one of the most commonly used fish species for feeding animals. They are particularly valued for their high nutritional value, convenient size, and versatility. With their subtle, fresh aroma, smelt serves as a naturally attractive food for predatory fish, birds, aquatic reptiles, and carnivorous mammals. For many predator species, the scent of smelt resembles natural prey, increasing their willingness to eat.

Smelt also provides a valuable source of high-quality protein, healthy fats (including omega-3 fatty acids), and essential minerals and vitamins such as vitamin D and phosphorus. This supports healthy development and growth, especially in young animals, as well as the proper condition of skin, feathers, fur, or scales and the strength of the immune system.

Frozen smelt as food for which animals?

Smelt have an average length of 5-8 cm and weigh about 4-5 grams, making them an excellent food choice for both smaller and larger predators. Compared to other fish, such as sprats (which are often larger and fattier), smelt are easier to consume and highly preferred by animals that favor smaller prey.

Smelt as food for predatory fish (freshwater and marine)

Frozen smelt is a natural food choice for many species of predatory fish that feed on other fish and small aquatic organisms in their natural environment. Thanks to their size and high protein content, smelt provides a nutritious energy source for the following groups of fish:

• Perch (Perca fluviatilis) - in the wild, they hunt small fish like smelt or bleak. Smelt is an excellent food for perch, supporting their growth and vibrant coloration.
• Pike (Esox lucius) - their diet also consists of fish, and smelt is a great addition.
• Catfish (Silurus glanis), nocturnal predators that prefer fish that are easy to swallow whole.
• Eels (Anguilla anguilla), which naturally feed on small fish similar to smelt.

Smelt can also be used as food for aquarium fish, especially predatory or omnivorous species that naturally eat other fish. Thanks to their small size, nutritional value, and availability in frozen form, smelt is an excellent choice both as a staple food and as a dietary enrichment for many aquarium fish species. Smelt serves as:

• Food for predatory aquarium fish: Arowanas (Osteoglossum bicirrhosum), Freshwater Stingrays (Potamotrygon spp.), Predatory Cichlids (e.g., Astronotus ocellatus – Oscars), Bichirs (Polypterus spp.), Knifefish (e.g., Apteronotus albifrons).
• Food for omnivorous aquarium fish: African Cichlids (e.g., Tilapia spp., some Haplochromis species), Clown Loaches (Chromobotia macracanthus), Aquarium Catfish (e.g., Pimelodus spp., Synodontis spp.).

Smelt as food for aquatic reptiles

Many reptile species also feed on fish in the wild, and smelt serves as an ideal substitute in captivity. These reptiles include:

• Aquatic turtles (e.g., Trachemys scripta, Graptemys spp.), which in the wild eat fish, mollusks, and other aquatic organisms.
• Caimans and alligators (e.g., Caiman crocodilus, Alligator mississippiensis), whose young often feed on fish. Smelt provides a nutritionally appropriate and calorie-balanced food for them.
• Water monitors (Varanus salvator), which hunt fish and other aquatic organisms in the wild. Frozen smelt is an excellent addition to the diet of monitors in human care.

Smelt as food for predatory and aquatic birds

Many birds, especially those associated with aquatic environments, feed on fish. Smelt, due to their size and nutritional value, are readily accepted by numerous species, including: Blakiston's Fish Owl (Bubo blakistoni), Cormorants (Phalacrocorax carbo), Terns (Sterna spp.), Gulls (Larus spp.), Pelicans (Pelecanus spp.).

Smelt as food for carnivorous mammals

Some mammals, especially those associated with aquatic environments, are natural fish eaters. For land mammals, smelt can be used as a supplementary whole prey diet for Otters (Lutra lutra, Enhydra lutris), Ferrets (Mustela putorius furo), as well as foxes and cats.

Some other aquatic and terrestrial animals also benefit from including smelt in their diet. These include Crayfish (Procambarus spp., Cambarellus spp.), Octopuses (Octopus spp.), and Squids (Loligo spp.) - for the latter, fish such as smelt are a dietary staple.

Frozen smelt is a natural choice for a whole prey diet - they perfectly mimic the prey that many carnivorous animals eat in the wild, making them a biologically appropriate food. Thanks to IQF (individually quick frozen) processing, smelt is easy to store and portion, saving time and reducing waste. Considering all their advantages, smelt offers an excellent quality-to-price ratio, making them an affordable yet highly nutritious food source for animals.

Frozen smelt - nutritional value

Compared to other fish, such as sardines or sprats, smelt has a moderate fat content, making them a suitable choice for animals that require easily digestible food. This is particularly important for reptiles and predatory birds, which may react poorly to excessive fat in their diet. Smelt, with their delicate structure, is easily digested by most carnivorous animals. Their small bones and soft skin are fully assimilated, eliminating the risk of digestive problems that may occur with larger fish with tougher structures.

***Deep frozen product***