Goldfish Prawns & Vit. B1 dificiency

[RD.]

Many species of fish & invertebrates contain thiaminase and when ingested in large quantities it destroys the natural thiamin (vitamin B1) which in turn can cause vitamin deficiency. In fish, vitamin B1 deficiencies can lead to stunting, illness, and premature death. Goldfish feeders are known to be high in thiaminase, as are shrimp/prawns, both of which are commonly used to feed large predatory species in captivity.

After several years of studies by several teams of scientists, a massive die off of approx 450 alligators in Lake Griffin Florida has been connected to the high thiaminase content found in the local Gizzard Shad.

http://myfwc.com/gators/research/Griffin/Thiamine_report.pdf

In the Great Lakes region, vitamin B1 deficiencies have also been the cause of a great deal of studies, and have been linked to both trout & salmon ingestion of alewifes & smelt, both known to be high in thiaminase.

http://www.glsc.usgs.gov/main.php?content=...atives_thiamine

With regards to both tropical & marine fish, the article below by Dr. Marco Lichtenberger is perhaps one of the best reads on this subject.

http://www.wetwebmedia.com/ca/volume_6/vol.../thiaminase.htm

HTH

Edited February 13, 2009 by RD.

[gobies et al]

Thanks for the info. Very interesting!

[RTG_Gerry]

Neil, if you can get my pbass on a pellet, I'd be forever grateful.

[boydo]

Very interesting! Thanks for the info.