Betta fish question?

Question

I feed my betta twice a day. Freeze-dried bloodworms for breakfast. Thawed frozen foods Bloodworms or Brine Shrimp for dinner. I don't feed him flakes because he has trouble eating them.

I know the betta pellets are the ideal food for them, since it gives them all the nutrients they need. In fact my sister's betta died recently after living 7 and a half years - which above the average life expectancy! And all she was feeding him was betta pellets. But my betta simply can't eat them because they are too hard for him to chew...he developed the habbit of not even touching the pellets.

Anyway, is the current diet enough nutrients for my betta? He seems healthy and active, but I want him to be super-healthy to break my sister's record.

Answer 1

Yes! Your little betta is eating great! A lot of people feed their bettas just blood worms and they're really healthy. You're giving him 2 different foods, which is super. Both these foods are most of what is in betta pellets, so no worries about malnutrition. Good luck with your betta buddy!

Answer 2

I would stay away from flakes with him. I have owned many over the years and it has never gone over well with any of mine. Personally I have always used the multi-nutrient pellets and they have done very well.

He will probably be fine on just bloodworms and shrimp, but it is anything but the best diet for him.

I am not sure why you think that the pellets would be too hard for him to chew... but if he will not eat them there is not much you can do. However if you really want to switch him to those feed him nothing but that for awhile. He will get hungry enough that he will probably start to eat them. Then down the road you can phase bloodworms and the like as treats.

Nonetheless focus on what is best for the fish rather than just tying to set a goal to break your sisters record.

Answer 3

You should feed your Betta once a day, twice if you cut the servings in half. Betta Fish love Mosquito larva, live Brine shrimp, (in moderation) frozen live food, freeze dried live food, and Betta Bites. They need alot of protein in their diet. I think that the bloodworms are good enough with the brine shrimp in moderation. The bloodworms and brine shrimp are very similar to their "normal" diet. Some studies show too many brine shrimp can cause Swim Bladder Disorder. You can also feed him fresh or frozen peas cooked with the outer skin removed and cut into pieces once a week to insure their not constipated.
I think you are doing a great job with the food!

Answer 4

you dont have to buy another tank just go to walmart or petsmart and buy a gold fish bowl and she would be happy that way she can eat and don't worry about gettin attacked! If a female that wasn’t ripe, or ready for spawning, would have entered a males tank, it’s possible that she would’ve been attacked, as non-ripe females are not tolerated within the vicinity of the nest. By not fleeing, a female indicates her readiness to spawn. Yes, some times if you are not careful when trying too breed bettas, the male will attack the female and he can injure the female, the females are much smaller than the males. A Male and a Female: In the wild, females stay clear of males, except during mating. When cohabiting in tanks, males might kill females, and are generally kept apart unless (a) they are juvenile siblings, (b) they are breeding, (c) there is a partition, or (d) the tank is large enough for the female to escape attack. Often, before breeding, breeders use such a container to allow female display without risking harm by the male. Two or more Females: Bettas are not schooling fish, but in a large tank with many hiding spaces, female bettas can cohabit. When two females share a tank, one usually bullies the other, however, four or more females will establish a hierarchy allowing peaceful co-existence, nevertheless, females living in community must be monitored for aggressive females.

Answer 5

7 1/2 would be older than the oldest betta I've ever heard of from a verified source. Blood worms, and brine shrimp are good foods for a betta. My concerns are as follows:

-You are feeding twice a day. Bettas will eat as much as you will give them. Over feeding is bad. Over feeding with blood worms is really bad.

-Frozen foods can carry disease. You'd be better off sticking to freeze dried foods.

Bettas will happily eat pellets, and flakes if they are hungry. If you are constantly feeding them brine shrimp, and blood worms they won't take flakes or pellets. My females in my community tank eat every thing other than veg slices. My males will eat blood worms, brine shrimp, flakes, algae flakes (mainly to prevent constipation), and crushed peas. It's a matter of not over feeding, and keeping their diet varied. If they refuse a food they don't eat for 2 days. After that their will eat near anything.

Answer 6

Freeze dried food can cause constipation and swim bladder issues...stick to pellets and the thawed frozen foods. If he seems like he cant eat the pellets soak them in tank water first for a while. I know that hikari pellets will get mushy and easy to eat....only feed 2-3 pellets though that way. Remember their stomach is only as big as 1 of their eyes...Otherwise keep up on the water changes! Shaz

Answer 7

try not feeding him for a few days (no this is not mean!)

then feed him the flakes, just a tiny pinch

you are letting him get picky, that's not good for him, or his digestive system, the bloodworms alone are not enough and i dont know of anyone that feeds their betta brine shrimp.

i have 4 bettas they eat both pellets and betta flakes depending on what i want to feed them on a given day, they eagerly eat both....there are brands that my fish prefer and dislike,


i suggest that you try different brands of pellets and flakes before you rule them out, you are selling your buddy short if you dont.

Answer 8

i think you should be fine. i feed mine flakes though. interestingly enough, the flakes i feed them (i have 3 bettas) have crushed freeze dried brine shrimp in it! you can see them in with the flakes. these flakes are small and my bettas have no problem eating them. the brand is tetra and they are in a bright yellow container. it says" bettamin tropical medley, the vibrant blend. i would not change his diet though, but if you do, consider these flakes. my 3 love them! umm about that record thing, each fish is different and you seem to care about you bettas' well being, but please, if he dies charish his life and don't grieve because you lost a record. not everything is a competition.

Answer 9

Brine Shrimp have little if any value as food. feed it a good flake food if it cant eat the pellets

yeah stay away from flakes even the one they make just for Bettas

Answer 10

I'm sure what you are feeding him is sufficient. If you are worried about his health, you need to keep the water clean. Any food that he doesn't eat, he is going to breath. And the fish has waste products that contaminate the water. So make sure you keep the water clean. do frequent partial water changes if you want to keep the fish in tip top health.