What Does a Baby Bluegill Eat?
Baby bluegills are small, freshwater fish that are native to North America. They are a popular game fish and can be found in many lakes and ponds. As they grow, their diet changes from one of mostly plankton to one of insects, crustaceans, and other small aquatic animals.
Plankton
When baby bluegills are first born, they feed on plankton. Plankton is made up of tiny organisms such as algae, bacteria, protozoans, and other microscopic creatures. These organisms float in the water and provide an easy source of food for the young fish.
Insects
As baby bluegills grow older, they begin to feed on insects such as mayflies, caddisflies, midges, and dragonflies. These insects live near the surface of the water and provide an abundant source of food for the growing fish.
Crustaceans
As baby bluegills mature further, they start to feed on crustaceans such as crayfish and shrimp. These animals live on the bottom of the lake or pond and provide a nutritious meal for the larger fish.