Abstract: Background and Objective: Feed is a prerequisite for all forms of life. A study of the food and feeding habits of fish is very important in any fisheries research programme. If the experiment was under controlled condition, it was inevitable to know the feeding habits and food of the experimental fish. The ultimate aim was for the captive breeding and larval rearing of the fish. Thus, the objective behind the study was to understand the food preference of the adult and the young ones, there by culturing the preferred feeds under laboratory conditions. The live feed culture will open up a new way for aquaculture promotion. Materials and Methods: Monthly samples of Hypselobarbus kurali (H. kurali ) were collected from the fishes caught by local or traditional fishermen along the Kulathupuzha region of Kallada river system. Data were calculated by annual feeding index which is the ratio of the number of specimens whose feeding were either active or moderate to the total number of specimens examined during that year×100. Results: For the present study, it was observed to be Daphnia sp. represented the major diet of young fishes. The feed preference was also noted to be the Daphnids. Daphnia sp. alone was consumed by H. kurali up to the size of 90-109 mm size class and dominated in the food up to 120-29 mm size class. Thus, if these zooplanktons are mass cultured under laboratory condition, then it will be a boon to the fisheries sector and there by fresh water fish aquaculture. Conclusion: So the present study provides a clear idea about the feeding profile of H. kurali and opens a new virtue for culturing the species under captivity providing its preferred food.