Many aquarium owners mix guppies with other fish species, primarily Bettas. That’s because, aside from sharing similar environmental requirements, they also come with a plus of diversity.
Bettas and guppies can get along just fine since they’re both adaptable, friendly, and peaceful fish who enjoy each other’s company. But are these fish species compatible from a dietary stance?
Can guppies eat Betta food if necessary? If not, how can you ensure each species’ dietary needs without disturbing the other species?
We will discuss all these aspects and more in today’s article.
What Are Betta Pellets Made Of?
The fish food market offers a variety of pellets, each varying in content. Generally, however, Betta pellets contain around 30-40% protein, with the rest consisting of fibers and fats. This protein and fat content is ideal for a carnivorous fish like Betta, who will only get its necessary nutrients from animal-sourced foods.
With that in mind, some Bettas may eat plant-based foods if given no other alternative, just as your cat will consume carbs under similar circumstances. But don’t get it mistaken. Bettas (and cats) are carnivorous animals, requiring a meat-based diet to thrive and remain healthy.
Can Guppies Eat Bloodworms?
Yes, they can. Not only can they eat bloodworms, but will happily do so. Many fish species will consume bloodworms due to their high protein and fat content. And herein lies the problem.
Adult guppies don’t do well with foods high in fat since it can lead to constipation and other digestive issues. You should only feed them fat-rich foods like bloodworms occasionally as a treat.
The situation is different with guppy fry, who need more protein and fat than adults. In their case, bloodworms are perfect since they pack a lot of the nutrients that the fry needs to grow.
Bettas, on the other hand, have no problems consuming impressive quantities of bloodworms regularly. They can even sustain themselves on a diet consisting of bloodworms exclusively, but I wouldn’t recommend it. Bettas need variety in their diets, just like guppies and pretty much all living things.
Can Guppies Live On Betta Food Only?
Not in the long run. Guppies can process Betta food but cannot thrive on it. Bettas are carnivorous fish, while guppies are omnivorous. This alone suggests pretty significant dietary differences between the 2; neither of the species can live off the other one’s diet.
Guppies who consume Betta food for longer periods of time will develop health issues. That’s because Betta foods lack the essential vitamins and minerals that guppies get from plants and vegetables.
So, you should only feed Betta food to your guppies as treats. Don’t force them into a counterproductive diet and may hurt them in the long run.
What is the Best Food For Guppies?
The best guppy diet is one that provides the fish with all the necessary nutrients. These include protein, some fat, minerals, and vitamins, boosting the fish’s immune system, enhancing its colors, and keeping it healthy and active.
A balanced diet will improve your guppy’s health, prolong its lifespan, and boost its reproductive rates. If I were to choose the ideal guppy food, that would be homemade paste.
The beauty of homemade paste is that it can contain whatever you need it to contain. Knowing that guppies require a varied omnivorous diet, the paste can contain a multitude of items. These include:
- Beef heart
- Egg yolk
- Bloodworms
- Brine Shrimp
- Daphnia
- White fish meat
- Vinegar Eels
- Carrots
- Zucchini
- Spinach
- Spirulina
- Algae
- Cucumber, etc.
The list is practically endless since guppies can extract nutrients from a variety of foods. The cooking process is also simple and shouldn’t take too much of your time. Just boil the ingredients, mix them together, and store them in the freezer for later use.
You can them cut some of the frozen paste, allow it to unfreeze, and break it down into smaller pieces. Guppies can thrive on the homemade paste alone, so long as you optimize its content.
Make sure it doesn’t contain excess protein and fat since these can cause your guppies digestive problems along the way.
How To Feed Guppies and Bettas in the Same Tank?
If you have a mixed tank, it would be a good idea to feed guppies first. This should be fairly easy since Bettas won’t even touch the veggie pellets or plant-based flake foods. After your guppies have had their fill, you can then feed the Bettas, preferably with a pipette.
Guppies will also munch on Bettas’ food, which isn’t necessarily a problem if it doesn’t happen too often. Try to limit your guppies’ protein intake, especially since they will eat some of Bettas’ food throughout the day.
You should also try to feed Bettas and guppies in different corners of the aquarium if possible. Many aquarium owners resort to this strategy, allowing them to feed the fish separately with minimal interactions.
Conclusion
Guppies and Bettas have different food requirements, but not that different. Guppies will undoubtedly eat Betta food, but that shouldn’t replace their mixed omnivorous diet. Guppies don’t fare well in absence of plants and veggies.
It should be fairly easy to fulfill both these species’ dietary requirements, so long as you understand what each likes and needs.
If you want information on the guppy diet or various food options, check my other articles on the subject.