They like to burrow into the substrate, which provides hours of enrichment for your betta fish as he hunts them down one by one. We recommend live blackworms because as a true freshwater species, they can live for quite a while in your aquarium without fouling the water. Live foods are considered the cream of the crop when it comes to the betta fish food options because they most closely resemble their actual diet in nature. Rotate between at least two to three different foods to make sure they get all the necessary vitamins and nutrients to live a long and healthy life. Most betta fish would be happy to live off a diet of only bloodworms, but like humans, your fish requires a variety in nutrition. Typically, one betta fish cannot finish an entire cube in one sitting, so you may need to thaw out the cube in a container and feed a few bloodworms using a pipette or tweezers. In the United States, our favorite brand to purchase is Hikari since their bloodworms are of the highest quality and feed out very cleanly. Sold at most local pet stores, they typically come in a package of foil-sealed individual cubes or a frozen slab that you can break off pieces from.

Given that betta fish eat small insects, crustaceans, and other meaty foods in the wild, frozen bloodworms (the bright red larva of midge flies) are one of the best foods you can provide them. Fortunately, there are many high quality, high protein foods you can try feeding them to whet their appetites. If you have the latter type, this refusal to eat can be quite stressful. Some are born with bottomless stomachs like a miniature shark, and others are picky eaters who turn their noses up to everything you offer.

Download tubifex for betta