Betta Fry (Baby Fish) Feeding Guide
1. First Feeding Timing & Critical Periods
- First 3 days after hatching: No feeding needed—fry survive on yolk sac nutrients.
- Days 3–5: Critical first-feeding window. Without food, fry may starve by days 5–8.
2. Recommended Foods & Feeding Methods
Early Stage (3–7 days)
- Paramecium (infusoria): Microscopic (80–300 microns), perfect for triggering feeding instincts without polluting water.
- Baby daphnia: Live prey stimulates appetite and provides high protein.
- Microworms or rotifers: Easy for home breeding, offering balanced nutrition.
Mid Stage (1–2 weeks)
- Baby brine shrimp (nauplii): Ensure size matches fry mouths to prevent sinking and decay.
- Egg yolk water (use cautiously): Feed tiny amounts to avoid water quality issues.
Late Stage (after 1 month)
- Frozen bloodworms/red worms: Chop into small pieces for protein.
- Small daphnia or powdered commercial fry food: Gradually transition to adult diet.
3. Key Tips
Water Quality Management: Do small daily water changes (match new water temperature) to prevent leftover food from rotting.
Feeding Frequency: 2–4 times daily, small portions—keep fry bellies slightly rounded.
Foods to Avoid:
- Unhatched brine shrimp eggs (hard to digest)
- Adult-sized daphnia (too big for fry to eat)
4. Emergency Alternatives
If live food isn’t available, use spirulina powder or yeast solution temporarily, but switch to live feed as soon as possible.