- Repashy Fish Food Bottom Scratcher is a high-protein gel food developed for bottom-feeding species including plecos, catfish, loaches and other substrate grazers. This specialised formula provides the animal-based nutrition insectivorous bottom dwellers crave, helping to support strong growth, natural feeding behaviour and vibrant colouration. Made with quality marine and insect ingredients such as krill meal, squid meal and insect protein, Bottom Scratcher delivers clean, stable nutrition without the heavy binders and fillers often found in flake or pellet foods. Simply mix with boiling water to form a gel that can be portioned, stored and fed in convenient cubes. Key Benefits High-protein gel food for plecos, catfish, loaches and other bottom feeders Marine and insect proteins to support balanced growth and colour enhancement Low-binder formula for excellent water stability and clarity Easy to prepare into a fresh nutrient-rich gel Ideal as a supplemental or rotation diet alongside other Repashy formulas How To Prepare Pour boiling water into a bowl and stir in the powder, using 1 part powder to 2–3 parts water. Allow the mixture to cool, or pour it into moulds to set. The gel will firm in around 30 minutes at room temperature. Cut into cubes or thin strips before feeding. Prepared gel can be refrigerated for up to two weeks or frozen for up to six months. For a Firmer “Jerky” Gel Prepare the gel as above and cut it into small cubes or strips. Dry completely in an oven or food dehydrator at 65°C (150°F) for 8–12 hours. Bottom Scratcher provides a natural, balanced gel food that helps support healthy digestion, colour development and long-term vitality in insectivorous bottom-feeding fish. Frequently Asked Questions Which species is Repashy Bottom Scratcher suitable for? Bottom Scratcher is designed for plecos, catfish, loaches and other bottom-feeding freshwater fish that naturally graze on invertebrates and food found on the substrate. Is Repashy Bottom Scratcher a complete staple diet? Bottom Scratcher is a high-protein insect-based gel food that is best used as a supplemental or rotation diet for many bottom-feeding species. It can be fed regularly, but is often best offered alongside a broader staple such as Repashy Community Plus or another suitable community formula. How often should I feed Repashy Bottom Scratcher? It can be offered several times per week or as part of a feeding rotation. Feed small portions that your fish can consume within a few hours and remove uneaten gel to help maintain good water quality. How long does the prepared gel last? Once prepared, the gel can be refrigerated for up to two weeks or frozen for up to six months. Only feed what your fish will consume within the day and discard leftovers from the aquarium. How do I prepare Repashy Bottom Scratcher gel food? Mix 1 part Bottom Scratcher powder with 2–3 parts boiling water, stir thoroughly and allow it to set for about 30 minutes. Once firm, cut the gel into cubes or strips for feeding. If your fish prefer a fibre-rich grazing formula for wood-eating species, try Repashy Morning Wood 170g.