Betta fish are omnivorous with a strong carnivorous tendency. Their diet needs to balance nutritional adequacy and palatability, and can be specifically divided into the following four categories:
1. Live Food (Top Choice for High Protein)
Daphnia/Bloodworms: Contain over 60% protein, which can enhance bettas’ body color and satisfy their natural predatory instincts.
Brine Shrimp/Mosquito Larvae: Promote color development. They should be rinsed before feeding to prevent bacterial infection.
Tubifex Worms/Mealworms: Need to be cut into small pieces before feeding, suitable for adult bettas to supplement fat.
2. Commercial Fish Food (Convenient Option)
Floating Pellets: Align with bettas’ feeding habit of eating at the upper water layer. It is recommended to choose formulas containing astaxanthin to maintain their bright body color.
Flake Food: Can be used together with live food; avoid long-term single feeding of flake food alone.
3. Plant-Based Supplements
Algae/Green Vegetables: Provide vitamins, but the feeding amount must be controlled (1-2 times a week).
Spirulina Powder: Can be sprinkled on the water surface to help supplement trace elements.
4. Special Precautions
Feeding Frequency: Feed once a day, and the food should be eaten within 5 minutes to avoid leftover food polluting the water quality.
First Food for Fry: Fry under 3cm in length need to be fed micro live food such as paramecia and vinegar eels.