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A common question we are asked, is “how often do you feed a betta fish?” Given their tropical nature, like most other warmer tanks, bettas need to be fed at least twice a day. This is especially important considering that many betta fish tend to be overfed, receiving large meals infrequently. Along with inappropriate water temperatures, overfeeding can lead to a very dangerous gastrointestinal condition that can kill your betta.
Remember, when keeping any fish, maintaining optimal temperature for their species is critical. Bettas do best in temperatures between 78-82F (26-28C). Outside of this range, their immune function and digestion may not be operating well, causing gastrointestinal and other health issues. Please do not manipulate your fish tank’s temperature to try and combat any suspected diseases unless directed by a veterinarian. Although changing the temperature may slow the disease progression, you may also weaken your fish’s defenses.
If you are having a hard time maintaining a consistent temperature in your betta tank, you may want to consider a larger tank. There are not great heaters capable of maintaining a singular temperature in a small tank. The larger the tank, the larger the water volume and the more consistent the temperature will be.
How many pellets do I feed my betta fish a meal?
Once you have selected a diet for your betta, it is critical that the container is stored properly and replaced every 6 months. We have NEVER seen a betta actually finish a container of food. Since pellet size varies so widely, it is recommended that you feed the amount of pellets that would theoretically fit inside your fish’s eyeball per meal. This could be as few as 2 or 3, or up to 6 or 7, depending on the brand you choose. You do not need to soak your fish’s pellets prior to feeding. All fish can easily eat dry pellets and soaking only decreases their nutritional content.
How often do you feed a betta fish a day?
Starting with at least two meals a day, provided your tank is at the correct temperature, space your meals at least 6-8 hours apart. You can feed up to four or five meals a day provided they are smaller than eyeball size. Be sure to spread more frequent meals out 2-6 hours apart. This will prevent too much food from being in the intestines at once. Knowing your tank temperature is critical for good betta health. Do not trust your heater to work without checking it. Make sure your tank has a reliable thermometer and always have a spare heater handy.
If you are not available to feed your fish multiple small meals per day, you may want to consider an automatic feeder. This model is recommended since you can pre-measure out exact meals rather than spewing a random collection of food. You are welcome to incorporate treats into your betta’s diet, just keep in mind that these materials are supplemental and will not replace a complete pellet.
How often do you feed a baby betta fish?
Baby fish, along with actively breeding fish, need to be fed more protein and fat than their adult counterparts. Baby bettas, from fry to 4-6 months of age, should be fed food intended for baby fish, not necessarily bettas. Baby fry should be fed 3-5 times per day, very small meals. Depending on the amount of fry in the system, you may need to feed just a few sprinkles or a few heaps.
Learning how often do you feed a betta fish a day is a critical part of keeping your fish healthy.
FAQs
It is recommended to feed your betta fish two to four pellets, once or twice per day. Pellets expand when placed in water and are very filling for your betta fish. Freeze-dried or fresh food can be substituted for their pellet feeding 1 to 2 days per week.
How often should a betta fish be fed? ›
Betta fish should be fed twice a day. You can take a small pinch of food in the morning, and a small pinch in the evening. You should make sure you do not overfeed them. Extra food will become waste and generate toxins when they sit in the bottom of the tank.
How can I improve my betta fish health? ›
Providing a stimulating environment that includes both exercise and rest is key to promoting the overall health and well-being of your Betta fish. Male Betta fish can benefit from having leaves to rest on, especially the long finned types.
How long can betta fish go without food? ›
Betta fish can live without food for up to 2 weeks. However, recommended is 5-6 days for a healthy adult. It is OK to fast your fish during that time. But this fasting should not too often because starving can increase stress level and lead to organ failure and disease contraction.
What does an overfed betta look like? ›
Bloated Belly: If your betta's stomach appears unusually swollen or bloated, it may be due to overfeeding. It's like that food coma after a Thanksgiving dinner, but much more harmful for bettas. Lethargy: Overfed bettas tend to exhibit sluggish behavior, similar to us lazing around after bingeing on fast food.
What is the best feeding schedule for betta fish? ›
It is best to feed your betta at least twice a day. If you have access to your aquarium throughout the day, three meals are also acceptable. Try to space them out equally. Remember, proper water temperature is critical to proper digestion and metabolism.
Can you skip a day feeding betta fish? ›
Yes. Betta fish can easily live for 3 days without food. As a matter of fact, fasting your fish for a day or two is a good idea once in a while.
What does an unhealthy betta fish look like? ›
Watch for your betta's eyes protruding from its head. Raised scales can also be a symptom of sickness. Watch his gills. If he's unable to close his gills, they may be swollen, another sign of sickness.
What does a healthy betta look like? ›
A healthy betta eats vigorously, swims around and is active, is colorful and vibrant, has fins and a tail that spread out like fans, and has scales and a body that look slick and clean. Know what a sick betta looks and acts like. Sometimes, a betta acts sad because he is sick.
Should I leave the light on for my betta fish while on vacation? ›
Fish don't sleep like land animals do but they do rest and need a period of darkness otherwise they can get fatigued and acquire other issues that could result in their death. An option is to put the light's electrical source on a timer. A timer can be set and used permanently.
In small unfiltered containers, change 1/3 of your betta's water every 3 to 4 days using an Aqueon Siphon Vacuum Gravel Cleaner. In filtered aquariums, change 10% of the water every week or 25% every 2 weeks and change the filter cartridge at least once per month. Never change all of your betta's water at one time!
Is it better to overfeed or Underfeed betta? ›
Overeating can lead to bloating, digestive distress, and obesity. Too much uneaten food can also result in your fish's water becoming dirty and unhealthy. To prevent your betta fish from overeating, only feed your betta fish the recommended daily amount. Clean out excess food regularly with a net or a turkey baster.
What does it mean when your betta fish has a big belly? ›
These causes can include over feeding, a swim bladder disorder, high levels of ammonia and nitrates in the water, as well as parasites and bacteria that have infected your Betta fish. These are all causes of bloated stomach and black spots and they will make your Betta fish's belly bloat and swell up quite visibly.
What is Pineconing in betta fish? ›
Dropsy/pineconing: This is not a disease, but it is a symptom of many possible diseases. This refers to a fish that appears to be more round than normal with a distended body cavity. The pinecone appearance is a result of distention of the underlying skin in a way that causes the scales to be flared away from the body.
How much do you feed a betta fish a day? ›
It really depends on the size of the food and the size of the betta. I usually give my small females 2-3 pellets a day or a small pinch of small granule food once a day. My giant betta gets a large pinch of granule food/flake or 4-5 pellets once a day. 2 pellets twice a day for 1, any more and he refuses to eat.
How can I tell if my betta fish is hungry? ›
On Betta talk there is a spot where you can tell if you over fed or under fed based on pictures. You want a small lump where the stomach is. The stomach of a Betta is about the size of its eye, a good idea is to feed every day and fast once a week. If you aren't finding poos, consider feeding less.
