The market offers us a variety of foods today. Depending on your fish`s needs, the diet you are about to provide your pet, and the price as well, dictate the kind of food they are going to purchase. Here we are going to tell you more about Daphnia for Betta fish and the possibilities this food offers to you and your fish.
There are many advantages in serving Daphnia to your fish. Daphnia is rich in important vitamins and also provokes the hunting instinct with fish. They can’t pollute the tank like other foods if you overfeed your fish with Daphnia. They also cost less than for instance bloodworms or brine shrimp.
In this article:
What Is Daphnia?
When we talk about fish food we often come across Daphnia. If you are wondering what Daphnia is here you can read more about it. Daphnia is a form of plankton, flea-size crustacean mostly found at the bottom of the ponds. They are known to feed on algae and therefore reduce them in pools. Aside from bloodworms, Daphnia is one of the most valuable foods for your pets.
Simply speaking Daphnia is a small crustacean that looks like a flea. They are about one quarter of an inch big and are mostly transparent to white in color. They possess gills for breathing beneath the surface.
Daphnia loves alkaline water above 7 pH and the temperature between 65 and 75 degrees of Fahrenheit. They can live in a very small amount of water and they just need a medium light, enough food and oxygen provided.
In the wild, they serve as food to larger creatures like small and young fish. And why is Daphnia so good? Because it provides two very important vitamins A and D. Vitamin A is important for development and growth and is an anti-infective agent. Vitamin D is essential for the production of bones and all vertebrates. The other two vitamins B and C are found in smaller amounts but they are also beneficial. Vitamin C helps in skin formation and coloration and B is an aid for tissue growth and also stimulates appetite. Other important matters found in Daphnia are proteins, carbohydrates and fats.
What Is the Best Daphnia For Betta Fish?
Most of the new owners try hard to replicate their pet`s natural conditions which includes water and of course food. Daphnia for Bettas is great because they provide necessary nutrition and are a part of a healthy diet. Bettas also love Daphnia because it stimulates their predator behavior.
Live Daphnia
Many stores offer live Daphnia and even that you have to buy them more often it is easier than breeding them on your own. It is important to find a reputable dealer and stick to it to have a constant source of supply. It is not advised to feed your pet on wild ones because that way you can transfer parasites if they contain any.
Live Daphnia are great for your Betta because it is rich in fiber and proteins and they help digestion too. You should give your Betta four to six per feeding. The good thing about Daphnia is that they are bred easily, you can find them anywhere and purchase them easily and Bettas enjoy hunting them. However, be careful when serving live ones, they might contain parasites, bacteria and chemicals and it is easy to overfeed your Betta with live food.
Freeze-Dried Daphnia
Another version of Daphnia which Bettas love are freeze dried and they contain the same matters as live ones. They are great for those who can not breed or hunt live ones. With freeze-dried ones you do not have to worry about parasites and those of good quality have the same color and taste as the live ones. With these Daphnia, you need to be careful not to serve them until you soak food in the water before feeding because they can expand in the stomach.
Frozen Daphnia
Daphnia comes in a frozen shape too which is for many keepers the best option. It still has its laxative and nutrients benefits and you do not have to breed it or purchase it often. Keep it in a freezer and always have it at hand when you decide to feed your Betta.
They come in cubes of different sizes but are usually too big for your Betta. As your Betta’s stomach is the size of an eye, they are way too big to be offered that way. You need to cut them into four pieces and then again in two or three smaller pieces. Leave them to defrost for fifteen minutes and offer them to your Betta.
With frozen Daphnia there is no worry about parasites and bacteria, they last for a long time and they are easy to handle.
Homegrown Daphnia
If you are up to it you can grow your own Daphnia and it is not a demanding job. That way you can save money, learn something new and have a ready meal for your Betta at all times. You can raise it in a tank or even better in another container.
Raising Daphnia in a cellar or similar cold places in your home is ideal. 20 gallons is the ideal size of a container and a temperature between 65 and 75 should be provided. If the temperature is higher Daphnia will slow the growth. You could take the water from a pond or a spring and let it sit for days before you introduce Daphnia. You need to provide algae for Daphnia to feed and add some green water from an aquarium or natural source. Add a water suspension of yeast until the water gets a bit cloudy, a cup per 20 gallons for Daphnia to feed.
Make harvesting of Daphnia on a regular schedule and it will serve your Betta well.
Do Bettas like Daphnia?
Bettas just love Daphnia. You can use homegrown, purchased alive, frozen or freeze-dried your Betta will enjoy each kind. We have told you about each kind and it is up to you to choose the one it suits you the best.
How and how often to feed your Betta with Daphnia?
There is a recommended amount for your Betta if fed on Daphnia and that is 1,8 grams a day. If you feed it twice a day cut the portion in two. You can also make a mixture with pellets in the morning and 9 grams of Daphnia in the evening, or any other combination.
Our recommendation still stands for two meals a day although in some cases it can be once. If you are away or have other plans nothing will go wrong with your Betta if it skips a meal. It is recommended to fast your Betta for a day every week.
To Sum Things Up – Is Daphnia Good for Betta Fish?
Daphnia is good for Bettas of all ages and is valuable for the nutrients they provide to your pet. You can serve them live, frozen or freeze-dried and you can either grow on your own or buy them at a local pet store.
The recommended amount is 1.8 grams a day or 0.9 per meal. Bettas enjoy every type you provide so it is up to you which one you like best or which one is the easiest to purchase and store. If you are looking for something tasty and healthy at the same time, Daphnia is the best choice.