What Should I Feed My Male Betta Fish?

Known for their bright, shimmering colors and long, graceful fins, male betta fish are a lovely choice of pet. Found at nearly any store that sells pet fish, male bettas are solitary, low-maintenance animal companions. Although they don't require constant care or expensive aquariums, bettas require a specific diet and feeding schedule. Knowing what to feed your pet betta̵2;as well as understanding the basic principles of feeding̵2;will help you give your colorful aquatic companion the best care he can get.

  1. Pellet Food

    • Bettas are carnivores, and require a high-protein diet. Pellet food for bettas can be purchased anywhere these popular fish are sold, and contain all the protein and nutrients your betta will need.

      An advantage of using betta pellets to feed your fish is that they are dry, and can be kept neatly in the container in a room-temperature environment, preferably one with low humidity. Also, dry betta pellets are relatively inexpensive, with a typical container costing under five dollars, depending on the brand you choose.

      When feeding pellet food, make sure not to drop too many of the tiny pellets into the water. Bettas prefer to eat from the top of the aquarium or fish bowl, and tend to avoid food that sinks to the bottom. When your betta is done eating, remove any excess pellets from the top of the water to avoid clouding the tank.

    A Varied Diet

    • While pellet food is convenient, your betta will benefit from variety in his diet. Frozen brine shrimp and bloodworms are two favorites of the betta palate, and also provide plenty of the nutrition your pet fish needs.

      Available freeze-dried or frozen, brine shrimp and bloodworms are part of the natural diet of bettas. You will have to store frozen brine shrimp or bloodworms sealed in your freezer, so they remain fresh and nutritious for your fish companion. Aquatic Community recommends that you drop a small amount of food into the aquarium at first̵2;a tiny pinch of bloodworms or six brine shrimp̵2;and see how much your betta eats. If he eats all the food and you notice no change in the size of his belly, it's fine to feed him a little more. Bettas will ignore food if they're not hungry, so again, be sure to remove uneaten food after feeding time to keep your pet's watery habitat clean.

    Feeding Considerations

    • Other fish food, such as goldfish flakes, are not suitable foods for bettas. Pellets, brine shrimp and bloodworms are your pet betta's diet, and giving him flakes meant for a goldfish may cause your betta not to eat, as well as clouding the water of his bowl or tank.

      Overfeeding is something to watch out for. You need only feed your betta once a day, and he should be able to consume his meal within two minutes. Since food lingering in the water of your pet's home will eventually sink to the bottom and cloud the water, there is risk of bacteria buildup if you overfeed. It's a good idea to keep betta food out of the reach of young children to prevent overfeeding, although there's nothing wrong with showing your child how to properly feed the fish, which can be a fun and educational experience for the family.

      If cared for properly, male bettas can live for up to 10 years. Feeding your aquatic friend properly is instrumental to his good health, and will help him stay happy and live a long, colorful life.