Betta fish have long been regarded as a top choice for pets due to their ease of care, diversity, color, and high endurance. Today, this article will look at helpful hints for feeding your betta more effectively.
When it comes to betta fish care, one of the most frequently asked questions by betta owners is, “How often do you feed a betta fish?”. According to our research, bettas should be fed once or twice daily under ideal tank conditions. However, this also depends on other factors, such as the type of food you give your fish and the amount of food in one feeding. So, how specifically? Let us help you find the answer.
Betta Fish: What Do They Eat?
Maybe you already know that betta fish are carnivores. During their wild lives, betas eat crustaceans, bugs, larvae, worms, and sometimes small fish as well. This means that your little fish need foods high in protein. So, what can you feed your betta in captivity, like an aquarium? Here are some suggestions for your reference:
- Betta Flakes
- Betta Pellets
- Bloodworms
- Daphnia
- Bloodworms
- Some kinds of Shrimp like Mysis, Brine, etc.
Generally, there are three main food types for betta fish: dried, flakes, and pellets. It is important to choose the right food for your fish to ensure their health and extend their life span.
Bettas have eyes that are bigger than their stomachs, so they can eat many things you wouldn’t expect. Therefore, you need to pay attention to avoid overfeeding your fish.
Normally, if you’re new to keeping bettas, stick to a quality pellet designed specifically for them and use special foods as supplements and treats only. But, then, experienced fishkeepers may want to include richer foods in their betta’s diet more frequently.
How much should I feed my betta fish a meal?
If you are using pellets, you should keep in mind the following. Because the pellet has various sizes, it is recommended that you feed the number of pellets that would theoretically fit inside your fish’s eyeballs per meal. Based on your chosen brand, the number may be as few as 2 or 3 or as many as 7 or 8. Once pellets are added to water, they expand and become full for your betta fish.
Or, if you use flakes, give a tiny pinch each morning and evening. You can also replace pellets with freeze-dried or fresh food one to two days a week.
You may need to experiment with different types of food before you can accurately estimate this, but don’t forget to give your fish a little more time if you offer foods that take him longer to consume or if your betta is a slow eater.
How often do you feed a betta fish?
As mentioned above, giving your betta fish one to two times a day is recommended, but it depends on their size, food, and many other factors.
Some betta keepers like to feed bettas once per day. Others prefer to feed their fish twice daily, and that’s okay! Remember to space their meals at least 6-8 hours apart. The important thing is to provide your tank a perfect condition. Ensure that you clean up your fish tank periodically and the tank has a reliable thermometer.
If you intend to be away from home for several days, plan how to feed your fish in order to ensure that they remain healthy and well-nourished during your absence. For more great planning tips, check out our related article, “How long can a betta fish go without food?“
Stop overfeeding your betta fish
Why is the question “How often do you feed a betta fish?” so common? It is because many betta fish owners are concerned that their fish may be overfed and that this is detrimental to their fish’s health. Overfeeding your fish is a normal mistake, but it can also be a problem if you do it too often.
Since betta fish look like they’re hungry all the time, you probably won’t realize that your fish are being overfed. There are many health issues associated with overfeeding Bettas. Your fish could get bloated or constipated, and you can notice that their belly become white and much larger. As a result, their immunity declines to make them more susceptible to disease. Besides, if leftover food is not immediately removed from the tank, it will cause elevated ammonia levels in the water, which is very harmful.
FAQs
Do betta fish need to be fed every day?
Like most other warmer tanks, Bettas require feeding once or twice daily due to their tropical nature. This is especially important because many betta fish are overfed, receiving large meals only on rare occasions.
Can a betta fish live for three days without food?
Most aquarium fish can survive while fasting for a few days, but betta fish can go 10 to 14 days without food. So, if you feed them regularly, they can easily survive three days without food.
Can betta fish eat human food?
There are some types of human food that Betta fish can consume, but they have to be very specific. Generally, oily and processed foods should not be fed to them. While chopped fruits, greens, and seafood can provide some variety for your fish, there are still many things to consider. It all depends on what type of human food is given, how much, and how often. A betta fish’s diet should be varied, like any animal, including humans.Â
Video: What Is the Best Food for Betta Fish?
References:
- What Do Betta Fish Eat? – https://pets.webmd.com/what-do-betta-fish-eat#:~:text=It%20is%20recommended%20to%20feed,to%202%20days%20per%20week.
- How to Feed a Betta Fish – https://www.wikihow.com/Feed-a-Betta-Fish
Victoria has always loved pets. Watching the animals at the zoo was her favorite thing. Her first volunteer job was at the local animal shelter, Gateway Area Humane Society. It was fun to spend time with all the animals.
Victoria M. Pierce decided to pursue a career in veterinary medicine after high school. Victoria graduated from North Carolina State University with a degree in veterinary medicine. She has been a veterinarian for ten years. It’s her passion to help animals and make a difference in their lives.
Animal rights and welfare are Victoria M. Pierce’s passions. Victoria believes all animals deserve respect and compassion. As a veterinarian, she strives to provide her patients with the best care.