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Overview
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Purpose: Live feeder insect for reptiles, amphibians, arachnids, predatory fish, birds, and small mammals.
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Form Fed: Usually live; sometimes gut-loaded or dusted with supplements before feeding.
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Why Popular: Soft exoskeleton, high protein, fast reproduction, and active movement (stimulates hunting response).
2. Nutritional Profile (Approximate, Fresh Weight)
| Nutrient | Value |
|---|---|
| Protein | 20–23% |
| Fat | 7–9% |
| Moisture | 60–65% |
| Ash | ~1.5% |
| Calcium | 0.20% |
| Phosphorus | 0.80% |
| Ca:P Ratio | ~1:4 |
Note: The natural Ca:P ratio is poor for reptiles — always dust with calcium + vitamin D3 before feeding, especially to lizards, turtles, and amphibians.
3. Benefits as a Pet Food Supplement
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High Protein – Supports muscle growth and tissue repair in reptiles, birds, and mammals.
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Moderate Fat – Provides a healthy energy source without being overly fatty (compared to waxworms or superworms).
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Soft Exoskeleton – Easier to digest than many crickets or dubia roaches; suitable for juvenile reptiles and amphibians.
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Stimulates Appetite – Quick movements encourage hunting instinct in picky eaters.
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Cost-Effective – Fast breeding makes them a sustainable feeder source.
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Variety – Offers dietary diversity when rotated with other feeder insects to prevent nutritional imbalances.
4. Suitable Pets
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Reptiles: Bearded dragons, geckos, chameleons, anoles, monitor lizards.
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Amphibians: Frogs (tree frogs, horned frogs, bullfrogs), newts, salamanders.
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Arachnids: Tarantulas, scorpions, predatory beetles.
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Fish: Large cichlids, arowanas, predatory catfish.
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Birds: Insectivorous birds (finches, mynahs).
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Small Mammals: Hedgehogs, sugar gliders, some rodents (as protein treat).
5. Feeding Guidelines
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Gut-Loading: Feed roaches nutrient-rich foods (greens, carrots, sweet potatoes, whole grains) 24–48 hours before offering them to pets.
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Dusting: Roll roaches in calcium + vitamin powder to balance Ca:P ratio.
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Frequency:
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Juvenile reptiles/amphibians: Daily or every other day.
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Adults: 2–4 times per week, depending on species needs.
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Quantity: Adjust based on pet size; avoid overfeeding to prevent obesity.
6. Risks & Considerations
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Calcium Deficiency Risk: Without supplementation, long-term feeding can cause metabolic bone disease in reptiles.
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Escape Hazard: They climb smooth surfaces easily; escaped individuals may survive indoors in warm, humid environments.
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Allergies: Some keepers develop respiratory allergies to roach dust/shed skins — handle in well-ventilated areas.
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Pest Potential: In certain climates, they can become invasive.
7. Comparison with Other Feeders
| Feeder Insect | Protein | Fat | Moisture | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lobster Roach | 20–23% | 7–9% | 60–65% | Soft-bodied, very active |
| Dubia Roach | 20–23% | 7–9% | 65% | Slower, meatier body |
| Cricket | 18–20% | 6% | 70% | Can be noisy, smell stronger |
| Mealworm | 18–20% | 12–13% | 62% | Harder exoskeleton |
| Superworm | 17–19% | 14–15% | 58% | High fat, treat only |
8. Storage & Handling
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Colony Keeping: Maintain at 80–90°F for rapid breeding.
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Escape Prevention: Use secure, smooth-sided containers with lid and ventilation.
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Hygiene: Clean regularly to prevent odor and mold.
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Rotation: Mix with other insects like crickets, dubia roaches, black soldier fly larvae for a balanced diet.
To avail free shipping, purchase amount should be Rs350/-(for Aquarium Accessories and Aquatic Plants) or more, less than the above amount shipping charges applicable Rs70/- only. For live fish delivery charges applicable at the time of checkout.
Orders are normally Shipped within 1-2 days and usually take 2-5 working days to be delivered based on your location. However, you will receive an approximate timeline when you place your order.
To ensure that your order reaches you quickly and in good condition, we only ship through reputed courier agencies.
