Feeding Guide and Precautions for Live Foods of Betta Fish
I. Recommended Live Food Types
Brine Shrimp
Rich in protein and unsaturated fatty acids, ideal for promoting betta growth and color development.
Larvae (newly hatched) are perfect for fry's first meals; adults can be fed to sub-adult bettas.
Bloodworms/Daphnia
Natural red pigments help enhance betta coloration. Always wash and disinfect before feeding.
Choose active daphnia to avoid parasite-carrying individuals.
Mosquito Larvae
One of the betta’s primary wild foods. Ensure the source is hygienic and safe.
Tubifex Worms/Red Worms
High in protein but prone to carrying bacteria. Freeze before feeding to reduce risks.
II. Feeding Precautions
Disinfection: Soak live foods in dilute saltwater or potassium permanganate to prevent infections.
Frequency: Feed 1–2 times daily, with portions that bettas can finish within 5 minutes.
Residue Removal: Promptly remove uneaten live foods to avoid water contamination.
III. Live Food Storage Methods
Short-Term Storage
Tubifex worms: Place on damp paper towels and refrigerate (0–5°C/32–41°F) for ~1 week.
Brine shrimp larvae: Temporarily keep in saltwater with oxygenation.
Long-Term Storage
Wash live foods, portion into bags, and freeze. Thawed foods lose activity but retain nutrients.
IV. Alternatives
Frozen Live Foods: E.g., frozen bloodworms or brine shrimp, which mimic live nutrition with higher safety.
Commercial Pellets: Choose specialized feeds with ≥50% protein (e.g., Nissin Marukan S1).
Risk Warning: Live earthworms may pierce fish intestines—chop them before feeding. Wild-caught live foods require thorough disinfection.