Betta fry live off their yolk sac for the first few days, then need tiny live foods like infusoria or microworms, followed by baby brine shrimp and finally crushed or micro foods. This general chart shows what to feed at each stage; timing varies with temperature and the individual brood.
Betta Fry Feeding Chart
| Age | What to feed | How often |
|---|---|---|
| Days 0–3 | Nothing; fry live off the yolk sac | None |
| Days 3–7 | Infusoria, vinegar eels, or liquid fry food | 2–3 small feedings |
| Week 1–2 | Newly hatched baby brine shrimp, microworms | 2–3 times a day |
| Weeks 3–4 | Baby brine shrimp, microworms, finely crushed flakes | 2–3 times a day |
| Week 5 onward | Micro pellets, crushed flakes, daphnia, plus baby brine shrimp | 2–3 times a day |
Notes on Each Food
- Infusoria and vinegar eels: Very small live foods that fit newly free-swimming fry.
- Baby brine shrimp: The most useful growth food. Hatch fresh each day.
- Microworms: Easy to culture and useful once the fry are a little larger.
- Micro pellets and crushed flakes: Good once the fry accept dry foods. Crush them very fine at first.
Practical Tips
- Feed tiny amounts and watch fry bellies. Round, orange-pink bellies show they are eating.
- Remove uneaten food within an hour or two, since fry are sensitive to ammonia.
- Keep the water warm (around 80°F), still, and clean. Do small water changes using matching water.
- Remove the male once fry are free swimming, since he may eat them.
Related Guides
For more detail, see what to feed newly hatched betta fry and best food for betta fry.
Bottom Line
Start with infusoria or liquid fry food, move to baby brine shrimp and microworms, and finish with micro pellets. Small, frequent feedings and clean water are the keys.
