What Do Betta Fish Eat? How to Feed Your Betta Fish
Within the wild betta fish are present in slow-moving or nonetheless our bodies of water reminiscent of rice paddies, streams and even in puddles throughout the moist season. Because of this, betta fish are uncovered to a variety of various residing prey to feed on; insect larvae, tiny shrimps and extra.
Because of this pet betta fish are likely to do greatest on a weight loss program that’s excessive in protein – which means meat.
That is in distinction to many different fashionable pet fish, which do effectively on a weight loss program that’s a lot larger in plant materials. Fortuitously, this requirement needn’t be as sophisticated because it sounds…
For those who’re questioning what to feed your betta fish then this information will present you the whole lot it’s essential know. Let’s get began…
What Do Betta Fish Eat?
Betta fish will eat all kinds of various meals in captivity. Whereas it’s tempting to take the “straightforward” route and to only present dried fish flakes or pellets such diets can potential trigger issues with deficiencies.
A greater thought is to supply a diversified weight loss program on your fish, guaranteeing that your pet receives a broad vary of various vitamins, nutritional vitamins and minerals. However what completely different meals will your betta fish eat?
Betta Fish Flakes & Pellets
Probably the only and most cost-effective betta fish meals is among the many pre-made dried flakes or pellets. As famous earlier, betta fish require the next proportion of protein of their weight loss program than many different pet fish, so attempt to choose a meals that’s designed particularly for betta fish.
You’ll discover from your betta fish that their mouth is turned barely upwards. This is a sign that betta fish have advanced to eat from the floor of the water, somewhat than choosing meals gadgets off the bottom of their tank. Floating pellets can due to this fact be notably welcome.
Bloodworms
Bloodworms are the aquatic larvae of midges. Because the frequent identify suggests, these should not solely worm-like in look however are additionally brilliant pink. The pink shade comes from the excessive ranges of haemoglobin discovered of their our bodies. This adaptation permits bloodworms to reside in poorly-oxygenated water the place different creatures would wrestle.
Bloodworms may not be essentially the most appealing-sounding meals so that you can work with however many species of fish go loopy for them; betta fish included.
Whereas hardcore fish keepers purchase luggage of reside bloodworms from their native aquarium store there are additionally quite a few different methods to purchase bloodworms. For instance, a better choice is to buy frozen bloodworms, which come condensed into little “cubes”. Merely take a dice out of the pack and drop into your betta fish tank.
It is usually doable to buy dried bloodworms and even bloodworm gel.
All of those choices are appropriate for betta fish, although you’ll usually discover that one explicit selection appeals extra to your fish. If unsure, begin out with reside bloodworms, as their movement within the water tends to attract in betta fish like iron filings to a magnet.
Tubifex
Superficially tubifex can look somewhat like bloodworms; small, aquatic worms that wriggle and writhe within the water. In distinction to bloodworms, nevertheless, tubifex usually tend to be brown in shade somewhat than brilliant pink.
Typically recognized by the frequent identify of “sludge worms” or “sewage worms” these invertebrates are present in stagnant water sources, the place they might partially bury themselves within the sludge on the backside.
Whereas fashionable previously some (unconfirmed) tales have emerged over time about reside tubifex doubtlessly carrying ailments or parasites. Because of this, they’ve turn out to be much less fashionable than bloodworms. They’re now sometimes fed as frozen meals, which is believed by many fish keepers to get rid of the chance of illness transmission.
Daphnia
Daphnia are doubtlessly the “cutest” sort of meals you should purchase on your betta fish. In frequent parlance daphnia are sometimes called “water fleas”.
Fortuitously, in contrast to the fleas your cat or canine may get, daphnia aren’t truly parasitic.
As a substitute, they get that odd identify from their look; considered by a magnifying lens these little crustaceans look surprisingly like tiny little fleas as they whizz round within the water.
Moina
Moina are daphnia’s much less well-known cousin. In some ways moina might be considered a smaller various to daphnia.
Like lots of the invertebrates listed on this feeding information they’re surprisingly resilient within the wild, and are recognized to outlive in water that’s low in oxygen or excessive in salt; each of which may spell catastrophe for a lot of different freshwater creatures.
Brine Shrimps
Brine shrimps – typically recognized by their Latin identify of Artemia – have quite a few tiny legs which transfer in rhythmic waves. These legs permit them to swim round effortlessly, attracting the eye of betta fish.
Reside brine shrimps might be purchased, the place they might attain an grownup measurement of round 1 cm. This will make them somewhat extra of a “meal” than smaller meals gadgets like daphnia.
Simply as generally, nevertheless, fish keepers buy brine shrimp eggs and hatch them at house. These eggs sometimes come dried and washed, and the retailer may additionally have added some salt which is essential for hatching.
Merely add a small quantity to water and place the container someplace brilliant and sunny. Inside days you’ll see the little shrimps swimming round, prepared on your betta fish.
For those who choose to hatch your personal brine shrimps at house make sure you rigorously take away them from the hatchery with a web earlier than putting them into your betta fish tank. That is in distinction to tipping the entire hatchery into your betta aquarium, the place the salt water could cause points.
Fairy Shrimps
These odd little shrimps are very pale in shade and can usually be seen swimming the wrong way up. They’re generally present in so-called “vernal swimming pools” within the wild – seasonal swimming pools of water that dry up at some instances of the 12 months.
Fairy shrimps survive this loopy life-style by laying eggs that stand up to being dried out. Then, because the pool begins to refill the eggs hatch into residing shrimps.
Fairy shrimps could also be a much less frequent supply of meals for betta fish however they’ve a definite benefit over brine shrimps; they don’t want salt to hatch.
Retaining a bath of fairy shrimp eggs available can due to this fact be a simple and low-cost method to offer your fish with reside invertebrate prey with the minimal of effort. Merely comply with the directions offered whenever you purchase your eggs.
Opossum Shrimps
Opossum shrimps are also called Mysis. Opossum shrimps are so-called due to the brood pouch that the females possess, giving them the looks of a marsupial with their pouch.
As with many different meals gadgets right here it’s doable to tradition opossum shrimps if in case you have the area and endurance, the place some adults might attain 2-3 cm lengthy.
In reality, most betta fish keepers don’t trouble with that; they’re mostly bought in freeze-dried kind, the place the tiny shrimps can merely be scattered onto the floor of your betta fish tank.
Copepods
The phrase “copepods” pertains to a big group of aquatic arthropods. Copepods are usually notably fashionable with marine fish keepers, as as soon as hatched they cannot solely characterize a supply of meals, but additionally any uneaten copepods will assist to “clear” the tank by consuming any waste supplies discovered there.
Copepods are mostly discovered within the ocean, the place they’re widespread. Like brine shrimps which means eggs will sometimes require salt water to hatch successfully. This will create extra work for the betta fish keeper, and implies that they should be rigorously transferred to your betta fish tank to keep away from polluting it with salt water.
Wingless Fruit Flies
Fruit flies are a well-liked meals merchandise for a lot of keepers of reptiles and amphibians. To present you an instance, I take advantage of them as a key meals supply for child day geckos. Nonetheless they will also be used when preserving betta fish.
For those who’re like many individuals then the considered making an attempt to regulate flies shouldn’t be an interesting one; in any case how do you cease them flying off the second you open the container?
The reply is that fruit flies have lengthy been studied by scientists as a result of they reproduce quickly. This has allowed specialists to determine all kinds of various genes in fruit flies, a few of which management the wings.
Nowadays it’s doable to buy flightless fruit flies; they merely crawl round however can’t fly off.
All you because the betta fish keeper have to do is to peel again one nook of the tradition and tip a handful of flies into your betta fish tank. Word that fruit flies might be fairly short-lived, however they’re low-cost and straightforward to purchase, and a few individuals even choose to tradition fruit flies at house for a continuous provide.
Hatchling Crickets
Crickets have turn out to be one of the vital fashionable types of livefood amongst unique pet keepers. They’re notably fashionable amongst keepers of reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates like tarantulas and praying mantis. They’ve a variety of advantages, reminiscent of being straightforward to breed, low-cost to purchase and straightforward to supply.
Whereas grownup crickets will sometimes be a lot too massive for a betta fish to eat, smaller crickets could make a perfect dietary addition. The hatchlings – typically often known as “pinheads” – might be purchased from many pet outlets and are straightforward to tip into the fish tank.
If you buy some hatchling crickets on your betta fish a helpful tip is to offer some vegetable matter for the crickets – slices of carrot or leafy greens like kale.
Child crickets are notably liable to dehydration – which may kill them. Offering some moisture-rich meals on this method will lengthen the lifespan of the crickets, serving to to make your funding extra worthwhile.
Bean Weevils
Bean weevils are tiny bugs which, as the identical suggests, will feed on dried beans. Because of this they are often fairly a pest in agricultural areas. For the fish hobbyist, although, they will characterize yet one more straightforward supply of reside meals.
Merely buy a bath from a specialist livefood provider and tip some into your betta fish tank.
These are solely hardly ever used within the fish interest, so should you determine to strive them your greatest guess is to look in reptile shops or to discover a provider on-line.
Child Mealworms
As with crickets, grownup mealworms are too massive for betta fish to eat. Nonetheless smaller mealworms (or grownup mealworms sliced into items) might be appropriate.
Regardless of the identify, mealworms aren’t truly worms in any respect; although they do share the identical physique form. As a substitute, they’re the larvae of the flour beetle (Tenebrio).
Because of this as a substitute of being tender and squishy (and a bit of yucky) to the touch, they’re truly waxy and agency. This will make them far more nice for extra squeamish fish keepers to deal with – when in comparison with one thing like bloodworm.
One other advantage of mealworms is that they are often very straightforward to breed – offering a continuous provide of the infant worms. And, should you solely wish to purchase a single tub of reside mealworms, preserving them within the fridge will decelerate their improvement price so you’ve gotten time to get by the bathtub earlier than they flip into beetles.
Earthworms
Delicate, juicy earthworms will usually be accepted by betta fish. Whereas some fish keepers choose to gather worms from their backyard, there’s a threat that such invertebrates might introduce illness into your aquarium.
Because of this, it’s usually a greater thought to buy commercially-bred earthworms, the place you’ll even have the luxurious of choosing suitably-small worms on your fish.
Reside Vs. Useless Invertebrates for Betta Fish
Lots of the greatest meals for betta fish are invertebrates of some kind. A lot of them might be bought reside from aquarium outlets or unique pet shops. Equally, many extra can be found in a variety of various types, together with freeze dried and frozen. So what’s greatest?
Typically talking there’s no large distinction between these completely different sources. Every fishkeeper has their very own choice, and also you’ll see plenty of disagreements on dialogue boards and social media.
On the one hand, feeding reside invertebrates like daphnia to your betta fish might be fairly enjoyable to observe. You get to look at your pet in “looking mode” choosing off the meals gadgets as they cross by.
One might additionally argue that that is essentially the most “pure” method to feed your betta fish – in any case they’d be choosing off midge larvae and suchlike within the wild.
However, these reside invertebrates might be costly to purchase, and difficult to maintain alive between feeding periods. So, whereas some keepers do present their betta fish with reside prey from time-to-time, most find yourself choosing a “hybrid” strategy the place frozen or freeze dried meals make up nearly all of their weight loss program.
These preserved meals have loads going for them, as they make your life really easy. A mixture of betta fish pellets and frozen blocks of crustaceans is usually a fast, straightforward and waste-free method to give your betta fish a diversified and attention-grabbing weight loss program.
No matter choice you select, do not forget that selection is vital within the weight loss program of a wholesome betta fish.
Can Betta Fish Eat Tropical Fish Flakes?
Normal-purpose tropical fish flakes are one of the vital widely-available and cost-effective fish meals in the marketplace. Due to the convenience of sourcing tropical fish flakes, and the low price of shopping for them, one other frequent query is whether or not betta fish can eat these flakes?
Tropical fish flakes aren’t a foul meals in any respect; they’re usually wealthy in vitamins and can be fortunately accepted by your betta fish. On the identical time, nevertheless, common function fish meals are usually decrease in protein than betta fish require, and have a tendency to have the next share of plant materials in them.
General, betta fish can survive on these tropical fish mixes, however I might counsel this could solely be a brief time period answer – reminiscent of when your native fish store sells out of your regular meals.
If you would like your betta fish to reside an extended and wholesome life then paying the little bit further for specially-designed meals is more likely to be a worthy funding.
What About Different Meals?
In terms of feeding betta fish a number of the commonest questions relate to whether or not they can eat sure “human” meals in captivity. Let’s due to this fact handle the 2 commonest questions requested:
Can Betta Fish Eat Bread?
I’m unsure the place this “city delusion” originated however you’d be stunned how usually individuals ask if betta fish can eat bread. My reply on this subject is “no”.
It may not kill your fish (in small doses) nevertheless it’ll hardly do them a lot good. Placing apart the truth that bread can swell in water, resulting in digestive points, additionally it is very low in vitamins.
It is very important do not forget that betta fish require a weight loss program that’s excessive in protein – not one thing that bread is thought for. Subsequently, I’d advise you to not feed bread to your betta fish, and as a substitute to make the most of all the assorted different choices mentioned on this article.
Can Betta Fish Eat Lettuce?
Betta fish can eat lettuce; it actually isn’t poisonous in small doses, and within the wild some betta fish might nibble at aquatic crops. That stated, lettuce is unlikely to offer the extent of protein that betta fish require.
As very a lot an occasional “deal with” a bit of lettuce must be positive, however I might strongly advise towards making it part of their routine weight loss program.
Feeding Suggestions for Betta Fish
By this level you’ve acquired an extended checklist of potential betta fish meals. However feeding betta fish isn’t nearly studying an extended procuring checklist; you additionally have to feed your fish in the correct method if they’re to stay joyful and wholesome…
Common, Small Meals
Massive meals are greatest averted for many fish. It is because there’s solely a lot meals that your fish will eat in a finite time period. After that time the uneaten meals will begin to decompose.
Rotting fish meals is the enemy of the betta fish proprietor, because it negatively impacts the water situations, and may result in sickly fish.
It’s a lot better to feed little and sometimes. Many betta fish house owners feed their fish twice and even thrice a day, giving them solely what they’ll eat in 3-5 minutes at a time. Take note of something left over, and cut back the amount of meals you give sooner or later to search out the “candy spot”.
Use a Feeding Cone
For those who select to feed your betta fish a number of the aquatic worms mentioned above – reminiscent of bloodworms – there’s a threat that the worms will shortly swim away and conceal. Earlier than lengthy your betta fish has nothing to eat.
An incredible answer to this downside is a straightforward piece of aquarium equipment often known as a “feeding cone”. Feeding cones are basically like a small sieve, which is positioned on the floor of your tank.
The bloodworms are positioned inside, and it takes time for them to search out their method by the various holes. Because of this, your betta fish can swim close by, choosing them off one by one as they make their escape.
Selection is Essential
Feeding one single meals may be very tempting; it makes life simpler and might be cheaper too. Nonetheless it might probably additionally improve the chance of vitamin and mineral deficiencies.
A central rule for feeding betta fish is due to this fact to range the meals they’re offered.
By all means preserve one or two “staple” meals on standby, however attempt to supply completely different invertebrate prey frequently.
Floating Vs Sinking Betta Fish Meals
Betta fish are likely to favor feeding from the floor of the water. Meals that sink all the way down to the gravel are usually somewhat much less interesting for them. When deciding on your betta fish meals, due to this fact, attempt to keep away from meals gadgets that sink too shortly.
Clear Up Afterwards
Extra meals can rot down in your betta fish aquarium, rising the degrees of dangerous nitrates within the water. Fairly like brushing your enamel after a meal, eradicating uneaten meals out of your betta tank will assist to maintain issues recent and clear.
In case you have chosen floating meals gadgets then that is easy to realize; simply scoop them out with a small fish web. Sinking meals will should be eliminated utilizing an aquarium vacuum.
Typically talking aquatic livefoods like daphnia or brine shrimps must be protected to go away within the tank, whereas terrestrial meals like crickets and fruit flies will quickly drown and so must be eliminated.
How A lot Meals Ought to I Give My Betta Fish?
Overfeeding betta fish is a serious reason behind concern. Not solely can betta fish get obese if fed an excessive amount of, however any uneaten meals can have an effect on water chemistry. Feeding the proper quantity of meals to your betta fish is due to this fact essential on your success.
Typically talking you’ll wish to add a small quantity of meals to your betta fish tank after which go away your fish for 3-5 minutes. Then take away any uneaten meals to forestall it fouling the water. This course of might be repeated twice a day – sometimes morning and night.
The essential issue right here is monitoring your fish at every feeding. For those who discover that each one the meals is hoovered up in moments then contemplate feeding extra meals subsequent time, or introduce an extra feeding later within the day.
However, if meals is at all times left on the finish of 5 minutes then dial again the amount of meals you’re offering. Over time you’ll discover the “candy spot” which ensures your fish has sufficient to eat, however your cleansing chores are minimal.
My Betta Fish Received’t Eat Something – What Ought to I Do?
Typically talking betta fish are likely to have sturdy appetites, and can very hardly ever ignore their meals. Sadly, this isn’t at all times the case, and a few betta fish keepers find yourself tearing their hair out as a result of their fish received’t eat.
In case your betta fish is refusing their meals then don’t despair; listed below are some helpful tricks to handle the scenario…
Verify Tank Circumstances
Like all tropical fish, betta fish require fairly specialist situations if they’re to thrive in captivity. If a betta fish is supplied with the unsuitable situations then one frequent response might be refusing to eat.
I’ve listed the essential steps to preserving betta fish right here, however the three commonest errors fish keepers make are:
Temperature: Make sure the water temperature in your betta fish tank is appropriate. Water that’s too chilly might be notably liable to slowing down the metabolism of your fish, placing them off their meals.
Water Motion: Betta fish are fairly weak swimmers because of their luxurious fins. For those who’re utilizing a filter that creates an excessive amount of water move then your betta fish might merely be unable to swim up and accumulate the meals you’re offering.
Nitrogen Ranges: Waste supplies within the type of uneaten meals or fish faeces can improve nitrogen ranges within the tank. This, in flip, could cause stress on your fish. Purchase your self a easy aquarium water testing equipment and make sure the situations are optimum.
Verify for Apparent Indicators of Sickness
A sick fish will usually go off their meals. Excessive ranges of nitrates, as mentioned above, might be one reason behind sickness however there are various others.
Spend time watching your fish, in search of any indicators of raised scales, torn fins, abscesses or parasites to fulfill your self that your betta is in high situation.
Tank Mates
Betta fish could also be recognized for his or her fiery temperaments when stored collectively, however they are often surprisingly shy within the presence of different fish.
Some fashionable tropical fish like tiger barbs or angel fish might nip on the fins of betta fish.
This, in flip, might make them much less more likely to come up and feed. If unsure strive separating your betta fish from different tank mates, and watch whether or not their feeding response improves.
Provide a Extensive Vary of Meals
Similar to us, some fish have particular meals preferences. Simply because your betta fish refuses to eat one meals merchandise, doesn’t essentially imply they received’t discover one thing else interesting.
On the identical time, feeding the identical meals however in a distinct format (frozen versus reside bloodworms) also can yield a distinct feeding response. Don’t quit hope; carry on making an attempt new meals till you discover “the one” that makes all of the distinction on your fish.
Give Your Betta Some Privateness
Betta fish might be fairly secretive by nature, and given the possibility they are going to spend a superb period of time every day hiding away behind crops or different decor. Having your face squished up towards the aquarium glass most likely due to this fact isn’t going to do a lot for his or her sensibilities.
As a substitute, strive giving your betta fish some privateness throughout feeding time. Add the meals then go away them to it for a time period. In lots of circumstances your fish will pluck up the braveness to eat below these circumstances.
Attempt Totally different Occasions of the Day
Do you at all times feed your betta fish on the identical time every day? In case your betta fish received’t eat then it may be a good suggestion to strive completely different instances of the day, even breaking down their each day meals consumption into a number of small meals over a 24 hour interval.
Feeding Too A lot
Lastly, lets not overlook that there might be fairly a giant distinction between a betta fish not consuming in any respect, and a betta fish consuming lower than you anticipate.
There’s a likelihood that you just’re worrying over nothing, and whenever you have been trying the opposite method your fish ate all that they wished. As soon as once more, due to this fact, regulate the situation of your fish.
In the event that they appear to be sustaining their situation then you definately may simply be worrying about nothing.
