Adult betta fish generally do best with small feedings once or twice a day, every day or most days of the week.

Basic schedule

• For a healthy adult betta, feed once or twice daily, spacing two feedings by about 8–12 hours (for example, morning and evening).

• Many keepers give a “rest” or fasting day every 7–10 days to help prevent constipation and bloating.

How much per feeding

• A common guideline is about 2–4 betta pellets per meal (or a total of 4–6 per day), adjusted for pellet size and your fish’s body condition.

• Think “stomach the size of the eye”: only give as much food as would roughly fit in the betta’s eye each meal, and remove uneaten food after a few minutes so it does not foul the water.

Special cases

• Young or growing bettas can be fed smaller portions 2–3 times per day because they use more energy and grow faster.

• If the fish starts looking bloated, lethargic, or leaves food uneaten, reduce the amount a bit or add an extra fasting day, and check that water temperature and quality are appropriate.