As a betta owner, you may wonder if your fish will eat other fish. Whether or not they will depends on their personality and how compatible they are with one another.
Bettas are aggressive and territorial. That’s why they should always be kept with tank mates who are similar in size and behavior to them.
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Baby Fish
Betta fish are carnivorous animals that eat mostly plankton, crustaceans, and insect larvae in the wild. They have visible fins and gills that allow them to breathe underwater.
They do not, however, eat plant roots like other fish. They need food that is higher in protein than the typical plant root diet, which is lacking in nutrients for bettas.
Yes, bettas will also eat baby fish. These little fish look like a perfect snack to a hungry betta, and they can fit in their mouth easily.
A betta might also choose to eat the body of another fish, especially if it’s dead. This could be a way for the betta to help it’s own health by eliminating a sick tank mate.
While it is possible to keep bettas with other fish, it’s important to monitor them closely to ensure that they get along well. If any conflicts occur, remove them from the tank immediately to prevent injury or death.
Dead Fish
Betta fish are bred in large numbers for commercial purposes. Consequently, they often live in teeny cups for part of their lives.
As these fish grow older, they are stressed out by their environment and this can result in a variety of health issues. These can include lowered immune systems which can cause them to become sick and eventually die.
The betta’s aggressive nature can also cause them to kill other tankmates. This is not only a sign that they do not like their new tank mates, but it can also be dangerous as they may chase the other fish and bite them, resulting in open wounds that are easily infected with bacteria or fungus.
When you notice that your betta isn’t eating properly, it is a good idea to reduce the amount of food you feed them. This can help avoid a condition called swim bladder disorder which can lead to death. It is also a good idea to keep an eye out for signs of illness such as gasping for air at the surface, erratic swimming and gill movement, and white spots on the body.
Insects
Bettas eat insects, including eggs, as well as bloodworms and other small crustaceans. They also eat zooplankton and other phytoplanktons in the wild.
In captivity, bettas thrive on protein-based frozen and pellet foods and various freeze-dried food items. When they are fed too much, they can become bloated and develop bladder problems.
The quickest and most effective way to feed your betta fish is to use live food such as fruit flies or live brine shrimp (Artemia salina). Dried or freeze-dried versions of these foods may be less nutritious than the living ones.
Another type of insect to feed bettas is daphnia, which are similar in appearance to shrimp in fresh water. These are highly nutritious and a great source of fiber, which keeps your fish’s digestive tract functioning properly.
Betta fry eat these tiny creatures in the wild, but they can be difficult to find in captivity. In the wild, a betta fry will grow to about four inches in size before they begin hunting for larger prey.
Other Carnivores
Betta fish are carnivores and will eat other fish as well as insects. While this isn’t a common behavior, it does happen.
Bettas eat other fish for many reasons, including aggression, food shortages, or the death of their tank mates. However, if your betta is aggressive towards another fish you should separate them immediately, as it could lead to the death of both your pets.
If your betta is aggressive towards your other fish, they may attack their fins, scales, or gills. This is a common and sometimes harmless behavior, so you should monitor it to make sure they don’t escalate.
It is important to keep in mind that a betta’s diet should be high in protein to satisfy their carnivorous needs. It is also important to avoid foods that contain fillers, such as corn and wheat. These types of fillers can be hard to digest and will cause bloating and other digestive issues. Instead, feed your betta high-quality pellets and flake foods that are specially formulated for their needs.
