Last Updated on March 28, 2022 by Marco C.
Do you know what to feed betta fish? Keep reading this article to learn everything you need to know about a betta fishes’ diet and other needs.
Betta fish, also known as Siamese Fighting Fish, is a popular fish to raise because of its stunning colors. They have large fins that are multicolored, resembling the feathers of a peacock.
If the name didn’t give it away, then you can guess they are a very aggressive fish. Not many other species can be raised with them in the same tank. Since you want to raise betta, it is important that you study up on all their key behaviors.
Some people say that their betta fish are picky eaters. Well, it is important to know what to feed betta fish. Having this information will save you a lot of time troubleshooting when your betta isn’t eating well.
There are a lot of different foods available at the store. But, it can be difficult selecting the right one. This is especially true if you want to feed your betta the highest quality nutrients.
Don’t get overwhelmed by all the choices. There are some simple things you need to know to decide what to feed betta fish.
As always, we are here to help. Keep reading to get the most updated information on what to feed betta fish and how to take care of them correctly!
What Food Can Betta Fish Eat?
In order to understand which food betta fish can eat, we need to analyze their diet in nature. Some fish are able to eat plants and animals, while others are not. The ones that can eat both are called omnivores.
Fish that can only eat meat from animals are called carnivores. Always check if your fish is an omnivore or carnivore before raising it.
If you have a carnivorous fish, it will be a little harder and more expensive to provide a good food source. In the case of betta fish, they are carnivores.
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Not only are they carnivorous, but they also require very high amounts of protein to survive. You need to make sure you are providing enough food for them to be nourished.
Betta fish are normally found in shallow water, and their mouths are always facing upwards so they can easily grab insects that float around in the water.
According to the University of Illinois veterinarian School, “every day a betta fish should be given the amount of food it can eat within 3 to 5 minutes, without any food leftover.” This means that you should keep feeding your betta until you see it stop eating.
In any fish tank, you never want to overfeed. This is because all of the extra food will sink to the bottom and decompose creating ammonia in your tank. When this gets out of control, your fish can die.
When you feed, try to allow enough time to stand there and observe the betta’s eating patterns.
As soon as they lose interest in the food, stop feeding.
Feeding My Betta Fish
Many pet stores sell live insects for food. The best insects you can buy for betta fish are brine shrimp, bloodworms, and mosquito larvae.
While you can buy freeze-dried foods it is best to also provide live food. This is because live food contains more nutrients than frozen food. The process of freezing the bugs removes a lot of essential nutrients.
Obviously, feeding a live source requires more frequent trips to the store. This is why it is much more convenient to use freeze-dried foods.
Another option is to purchase special fish food flakes that are high in protein. Read the ingredients label to see where the source of protein is coming from. You specifically want to look for something that is high in crude proteins.
When in doubt, you can ask the shopkeeper about which food should be used for betta fish. Oftentimes, there are specific products made for betta fish. Regular fish flakes for other fish will not have enough protein for the betta fish to survive.
This is why it is important to know what to feed betta fish. You cannot just give it any old fish food.
Always keep in mind, when working with live food sources there is a risk that an outside parasite may be introduced. You can ask the store about how the food source was raised to assess how high of a threat this is. If a parasite enters your fish, it could result in death.
Betta Fish Requirements
It is super important to know what to feed betta fish. Like all living things, food is what provides the right nutrients for an organism to grow and be healthy.
If you create the right conditions for betta fish, they can live up to 5 years. They will grow up to 2.5 inches in their adult life.
Bettas do not require much space to raise at all. In fact, if you plan to raise only one betta fish you can do so in 1 gallon of water!
As they are aggressive fish, you do not want to keep too many in a small tank together. It is better to keep male betta fish separate. Females can coexist in the same tank. But if it gets too crowded, they can also get aggressive.
They do not get lonely when raised alone. Now you know what to feed betta fish. Pay attention to the diet and you should have success.
Feel free to comment and ask questions below!
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FAQs
Can bettas eat regular fish food?
Regular fish food is not a good enough food source for bettas. Be sure to avoid using it. If you try to use regular fish food with bettas, they will not grow as healthy or could even die.
What should I feed my betta everyday?
When purchasing food at the store try to look for high protein sources. Some good food options are live insects and freeze-dried foods.
What food can betta fish eat?
Normally in nature, Betta fish skim the surface of the water looking for weak insects. In fact, this is one of the reasons their mouth is turned upward. It makes it easier for them to collect the insects floating on the surface.
What can I feed my betta fish if I don’t have food?
Just keep in mind that the majority of your Betta’s diet must be meat-based. You’ll want to make it as nutritious as possible. The best thing to feed your betta is a variety of protein sources. You should be giving them special fish food or other things that they would normally eat, like worms and insects. There are a few things that are safe to give to your Betta, like boiled peas, lettuce, spinach, sweet corn, or chicken. Any human food you give them should be used as a treat rather than as a meal.
Candace is an aquaponics expert with over 5 years of experience in the field. She has a degree in environmental science from the University of California, Berkeley and a degree in aquaponics from the University of Florida. She is passionate about sustainable agriculture and has a deep knowledge of aquaculture and hydroponics. She has worked on numerous projects and has been involved in the development of aquaponic systems and fish farms. She also has experience in designing and constructing aquaponic systems. With her expertise, Candace is able to advise clients on the most effective and efficient way to construct and manage their aquaponic system. She is an active member of the aquaponic community, often speaking at conferences and seminars. Candace is dedicated to helping others understand the importance of aquaponics, and she is a strong advocate for sustainable food production.
