Feed a betta just 2 to 3 bloodworms (or one small piece) at a time, and only as a treat once or twice a week. Bloodworms are rich in protein and fat but low in fiber and balance, so they should not be the main food. A betta’s stomach is about the size of its eye, and overfeeding causes bloating and constipation.
How many bloodworms by type
- Freeze-dried bloodworms: 2 to 3 worms per feeding, once or twice a week. Soak them in a spoonful of tank water for a minute or two first, because dry pieces expand in the stomach.
- Frozen bloodworms: thaw a small piece of a cube (2 to 3 worms’ worth), rinse, and feed. Do not drop a whole cube in the tank.
- Live bloodworms: 2 to 3 worms as an occasional treat. Buy from a reputable source, since live feeders can carry parasites.
What to feed as the main diet
A quality betta pellet made for carnivorous fish should be the staple. Feed 2 to 4 pellets once or twice a day, depending on pellet size, and add bloodworms, brine shrimp or daphnia as variety. See our guides on feeding frozen and live bloodworms, brine shrimp and daphnia.
Feeding rules that keep bettas healthy
- Feed an amount your betta finishes in about two minutes.
- Remove uneaten food after a few minutes so it does not foul the water.
- Fast your betta one day a week to help digestion.
- Keep the water clean and warm (about 78 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit).
Signs of overfeeding
- A swollen belly or a fish that floats or struggles to swim.
- Stringy, pale or long droppings, or no droppings.
- Cloudy water or high ammonia from uneaten food.
If you see bloating, skip food for a day or two. If it persists, ask an aquatic vet or an experienced fish store for help.
Bottom Line
Two to three bloodworms, once or twice a week, is enough for a betta. Use pellets as the daily staple, soak freeze-dried worms first, and remove leftovers.
