How long can betta fish go without food?

In the underwater world and among the schools of fish, there lies a beautiful aquatic creature that has a mesmerizing tail. A tail that is no less than an alluring gown with a long trail. Yes, now you got it…. Betta Fish is a captivating creature with a unique name. But do you know the name is not taken from the Greek alphabets - Alpha, Beta, and Gamma? Betta here is derived from the Thai word ‘Bettah’ which means warrior or fighter. And they are named Betta because of their aggressive nature.

If you are a fish keeper who wants to get a betta fish, then other than their behavior, their life span and their habitat, you should gather information regarding their diet also. So, read ahead pet lovers as in this ‘How long can betta fish go without food’ guide, we will delve into the diet needs and best food for betta fish!

Betta fish diet

Betta fish, also known as Siamese fighting fish, are carnivorous and have specific diet needs. In the wild, they eat insects and insect larvae. If you have a Betta fish, then you should provide them with a diet that mimics their natural food to make sure they remain healthy.

What is the best food for betta fish?

• Betta pellets: These pellets are specially created for betta fish to meet their nutritional needs. They are highly rich in protein, vitamins and minerals, with a balanced amount of fat. These best betta fish foods come in different shapes and sizes, so you can choose appropriately.
• Frozen or live foods: Frozen and live betta fish foods are good supplements when it comes to the diet of a betta fish, as they also provide essential nutrients. The live food can include:

          ⇒ Brine shrimp

          ⇒ Daphnia

          ⇒ Bloodworms

          ⇒ Freeze dried foods

• High quality flakes: These high quality fish flakes provide a good supplement as they are rich in vitamins, proteins, minerals and omega fatty acids. But these good foods for betta fish should not be used as primary food sources due to the risk of overfeeding and water contamination.

How often to feed betta fish?

Once you learn about the food betta fish eat, it is important to understand the right frequency of feeding the betta fish. Here is some tips on how often to feed your betta:

Adult Betta Fish: Feed them 1-2 times a day

Young Betta Fish: Feed them up to 3 times a day

How much food for betta fish?

	Pellets	Flakes	Freeze Dried Foods	Frozen Foods	Live Foods
Quantity	2-3	A small pinch	2-3	A small portion	A small amount
Frequency	1-2 times a day	1-2 times a day	1-2 times a week as a supplement	1-2 times a week as a treat	1-2 times a week as a supplement
Guidelines	Small enough for the betta to eat easily	Crumble larger flakes if needed	Rehydrate freeze-dried foods in water before feeding	Thaw frozen food before feeding	It should be given in moderation

 

How long can betta fish go without food?

Betta fish are known for resilience and can go without food for a period of time. 

• How long can betta fish go without food?

Healthy adult betta - They can go without betta fish food for up to 10-14 days. 

Young or sick betta - They can go without food for a very short time, i.e., around 3-5 days.

Leaving betta fish without food must not be a regular practice, as it can lead to stress and declining health. 

• How to prepare for absences?

Feeding frequency - The first and foremost thing you can do is gradually reduce the feeding frequencies so that your betta fish can adjust before your absence. Also, change the water in the tank to make sure the water parameters are stable.

Automatic feeders - In case you are leaving for a longer period or you do not wish to leave the fish without food, then you should use an automatic fish feeder that can give small amounts of food to the fish at regular intervals. Also, before leaving, check that the automatic feeder is working properly.

Feeding assistance - If you cannot arrange an automatic fish feeder, you can always ask a friend or family member to check in and give food to a betta fish according to your instructions.

• Things to keep in mind when you return!

Small meals - Begin with small and frequent meals to reintroduce food without overwhelming their digestive system.

Observe for signs of illness - Watch for any signs of stress or illness, such as lethargy, fin clamping, or changes in coloration.

Signs of proper / overfeeding

Proper Feeding  A well fed betta will be active, vibrant in color and not overly bloated or distended.

Overfeeding The abdomen of the betta fish will look swollen, they will become less active and will not eat food left in the tank.

Tips for feeding betta fish

• Monitor your betta during feeding times to ensure they are eating all the food given. Also, remove the food that is left in the tank.
• Consider a fasting day once a week to give their digestive system a break.
• Adjust the portion size based on your betta’s size, activity level, and health.

Summing Up!

When keeping a betta fish, it is important for us to know ‘how long can betta fish go without food’ especially when you cannot feed them regularly. Though these fish can survive without food for a period of time, make sure it does not become a routine practice. Regular, balanced feeding is essential to maintaining their vibrant colors, energetic behavior, and overall health.

Pets by Numbers encourages you to be a good pet parent who looks after their pets and cares for their well being. And if you are looking for a beautiful painting of a betta fish instead of a real one, then we have got you covered. Check out our site and get a customized painting kit featuring your favorite design!

FAQs

Why won't my betta fish eat?

Stress, illness, poor water conditions, overfeeding and sometimes introducing new foods can affect the diet of betta fish.

Can a betta fish eat goldfish food?

It is fine to give your betta fish small amounts of goldfish food occasionally, but it should not be a regular part of their diet.

Do betta fish eat shrimp?

Yes, Betta fish enjoy eating shrimp.

Why my betta fish spitting out food?

Betta fish can spit out food if it is large in size or because of dental or digestive issues.

Can betta fish eat tropical flakes?

Tropical flakes can be fed occasionally, but they should not replace betta-specific pellets or foods.