Marine betta feeding frequency

[Ardeus]

I read everywhere that they "can" be fed a couple of times per week.

Is there any reason why they shoudn't eat everyday?

 

[Hitman]

I feed mine everyday and have for the 2 years I’ve had him with no issues. I mix up krill, silversides, squid, clam meet, and scallops.

 

[mort]

It depends on the amount you are feeding really. Larger less frequent meals are more natural but daily smaller feeds of a varied mix shouldn't hurt. I have found that as mine has approached full size it is less interested in eating and it often turns its nose up to food. I feed every few days and they don't really need that much food for such a large fish. So if it is accepting food I see no reason to not feed it.

When they are small they chase single mysis but as they grow they begin to switch onto larger foods so the frequency can change.

 

[Ardeus]

Thanks.

I have a small altivellis that eats mysis everyday when I broadcast feed the tank in the evening and a larger argus that I usually feed a piece of shrimp every other day, very early in the morning.

He is used to being fed in the morning and most mornings he's waiting. I will begin feeding him whenever he asks and not just every other day.

 

[BamaMedic]

Off topic question, where are marine bettas available? Everywhere I’ve searched online shows a waiting list.

 

[albano]

I’ve had my present Betta for ~16yrs, got him from a friend that was moving and had him for ~5 yrs... I can’t recall ever seeing the Betta eat! But he’s alive and well!

 

[Ardeus]

I’ve had my present Betta for ~16yrs, got him from a friend that was moving and had him for ~5 yrs... I can’t recall ever seeing the Betta eat! But he’s alive and well!

If I had to guess it would be that you have a sustainable population of bristle worms.

21 years...

 

[mort]

21 years is a really good age but they can potentially live quite a few years longer. I also agree with bristle worms being a food source for most and it's been documented a few times that betta have sustained themselves on these.