How to Feed a Betta Fish

Betta fish (also known as Siamese Fighting Fish) are friendly, easy to care for, brightly colored fish. They can be kept in fairly small bowls or fish tanks and will live up to three years of age with the right food and care. Water quality and correct diet are keys to a healthy, long lived Betta.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Know that your Betta will not have much of an appetite if his water is too cold. Bettas need the water temperature to be stable and above 70 degrees Farenheit. If you keep your house cool, buy a small inexpensive tank heater to keep your Betta happy and active.

2. Feed her once or twice a day. If feeding once daily, give her what she will eat in ten minutes. For two feedings, don't give her more than she can consume in a few minutes. Some experts suggest fasting Bettas one day per week, but this is not always necessary.

3. Only buy fish food specifically for Bettas. They will not do well on goldfish or "generic" food, which has lower protein. In the wild Bettas are carnivorous fish and need high protein food. Betta fish food, freeze dried shrimp and bloodworms are all good choices. He will be happier if his diet is varied a little.

Tips & Warnings

• Some aquaria stores sell live daphnia shrimp and bloodworms. Your Betta will be deliriously happy if he can hunt down his own food.
• In warm weather, any standing water in your yard will be full of mosquito larvae. Easy to scoop up with a small fish net, they will provide your Betta with perfect food and lots of fun.
• If you overfeed and uneaten food sinks to the bottom, it is easy to siphon out with a small plastic hose.
• Don't assume your Betta can live on live plants or plant roots. This is a poor diet for Bettas and she will not live long without proper food.

[amylaine]

on 3/20/2008 Interesting.