They Will Eat
Betta fish are omnivorous fish. Their natural diet includes small shrimps, aquatic insects, etc., so they will actively prey on shrimps. The following is a detailed analysis:
1. The Feeding Habits Characteristics of Betta Fish
Omnivorous: The genus Macropodus mainly feeds on zooplankton, aquatic insect larvae, small shrimps, etc. in the wild. When they are artificially raised, they can accept a variety of foods such as fish feed, earthworms, and shrimps.
Predatory Ability: Betta fish have relatively strong predatory ability towards small shrimps. Especially when the shrimps are small in size or are of a similar size to the betta fish, they may be directly attacked or even eaten in groups.
2. Factors Affecting Betta Fish Eating Shrimps
The Size of Shrimps: If the shrimps (such as Amano shrimps) are of a similar size to or larger than the betta fish, the shrimps may attack the betta fish instead, especially when there is a large number of shrimps.
The Raising Environment: When the water quality deteriorates or there is insufficient food, betta fish may prey on shrimps more frequently. Changes in water temperature will also affect their feeding preferences.
Individual Differences: Some betta fish may have a low interest in shrimps. In this case, it is necessary to chop the shrimps into pieces to attract them to eat.
3. Suggestions for Mixed Breeding
Be Cautious about Mixed Breeding: If you need to breed betta fish with shrimps (such as Amano shrimps) together, it is recommended to choose larger-sized shrimps or provide sufficient hiding spaces to avoid betta fish from attacking the shrimps.
Feeding Management: You can feed brine shrimp, dried bloodworms, etc. instead of live shrimps. This can not only meet the nutritional needs of betta fish but also reduce the threat to the shrimps in mixed breeding.
Conclusion: Betta fish will eat shrimps, but it is necessary to adjust the raising strategy according to the actual situation to avoid losses caused by the food chain relationship.