Let me ask you a question first. Do you own a Betta fish? Can Betta fish coexist with shrimp, despite being a popular choice for fish keepers? Both are aquatic animals; thus, adding either would be an intriguing (and attractive) addition to your tank.
Bettas are solitary fish that do not mind being alone. These fish will pursue any other fish swimming in their vicinity.
The stunning Betta fish is native to Asia, where it thrives naturally in harmony. Ponds, marshes, and quiet waterways are where you may see it swimming. Since the Betta is a carnivore, you might be wondering if Betta fish eat shrimp.
Betta fish typically won’t eat shrimp placed in their aquarium since they are too big for them to consume. Since the shrimp you may buy for your fish tank are bigger than those in the wild, they are safe to keep together in the same tank.
Due to their size when you initially purchase them from the pet store, certain shrimp are safer to place in the tank. Others could develop into a challenge for your Betta, which they will eagerly welcome. Now let’s take a closer look at this.
Can Betta Fish Live With Shrimp?
The good news is that most of the time, shrimp and bettas will be able to coexist harmoniously. It’s crucial to constantly keep in mind that it depends on your betta’s personality. You must ensure that the tank is suitable for both bettas and shrimp in order for them to coexist.
What Environment Do Shrimp Need?
Your chances of having a happy coexistence between your shrimp and betta will rise if your tank has the proper conditions. If you don’t have many hiding spots presently, you should add them to your tank as soon as possible.
To give your betta and shrimp several places to hide, you should use real plants or silk plants. Additionally, as plant fragments fall to the substrate, your shrimp will enjoy them as a tasty meal. You should also add some decorations and other kinds of hiding spots in addition to the plants. Simply be careful not to add anything that is rough or pointy, as this might harm your betta’s fins.
You have a choice between two sorts of plants when adding them to your aquarium. Plants that require low or high levels of light It all depends on personal choice because both will feed your shrimp. Java ferns and mosses may flourish in low-light environments, whereas living substrates and more algae can develop in higher-light environments.
Additionally, your tank should be large enough to comfortably accommodate your shrimp and betta. The smallest tank you ought to utilize in such a situation is one that is 10 gallons. As long as you’re diligent, it will be difficult to overstock a 10-gallon tank with shrimp. Furthermore, the additional room will make it less likely for your betta to attack your shrimp.
Why Do Bettas Eat Shrimp?
In the wild, bettas are predators.
In their native habitat, these fish will consume a lot of insects, tiny crustaceans, larvae, and fish of all kinds.
According to the food chain, bigger fish and creatures eat smaller ones.
Predators must eat tiny creatures in order to survive; this is a law of nature. Betta fish fit the same description. Due to their innate inclination, bettas will consume any type of food that they come upon. The size of certain shrimp species varies, including the cherry shrimp. They fit inside Betta’s jaws with ease.
Bettas view shrimp as a food source rather than as tankmates when they are there.
Furthermore, Bettas are infamous for being aggressive and possessive.
The betta fish bully the other fish in their aquarium and take out any little creatures that are in their path. Bettas are opportunistic feeders as well. They don’t think twice about eating anything in their line of sight. Bettas devour the shrimp surrounding them as a result.
Will Female Bettas Eat Shrimp?
If the shrimp can fit in the female bettas’ jaws, they will consume them. Compared to their male counterparts, female Bettas are less aggressive. The female Betta won’t allow the chance to capture prey to pass, though. In their native habitat, shrimp are a food source.
You cannot stop female bettas from attacking and devouring the tiny animals after they have tasted shrimp raised in captivity. Due to their shorter tails, female bettas are also better suited to attack shrimp. It makes it easier for them to catch the little shrimp and swim more effectively.
Additionally, female Bettas eat shrimp eggs and larvae. Female betta fish, like the majority of fish, are eager to devour everything tasty that fits in their mouths without difficulty. But female bettas are not inclined to consume spoiled eggs. This is due to the lack of nutritional value in rotting eggs.
But does that imply that Bettas consume all shrimp? Are there any shrimp that won’t harm Bettas?
Can Betta Fish Eat Shrimp?
Betta fish have huge appetites. So, the crucial query is: Do Betta fish consume shrimp?
Yes, they can; this is the response. However, it’s crucial to remember that not all Betta fish will consume shrimp. Some Bettas will ignore them, and some could even consider them to be potential friends.
It’s a smart idea to get ready in advance if you’re thinking of putting shrimp in your Betta fish tank. Ensure that there are lots of places for the shrimp to hide. In order to provide the shrimp with a place to hide while they are feeding, many fish keepers add vegetation to their tanks. Additionally, you want to think about acquiring a bigger shrimp.
It is advisable to get a bigger shrimp that is at least 2 inches long because betta fish are known to consume smaller shrimp. When introducing your Betta fish to the shrimp for the first time, you should also keep an eye on them. It is preferable to remove the shrimp from the aquarium if you notice any aggressive behavior. You may feed Bettas one of three different kinds of shrimp.
Live Shrimps
In addition to being highly nutritious, live shrimp are a favorite food of Betta. Verify that they are clean and clear of infections before placing them in the tank. If any existing Betta is sick, no more will be permitted in your tank. Add them to your fish tank without restriction after acclimating them to aquarium water for at least 20 minutes. Spread them out evenly as you add them to the tank’s various corners. The benefits and drawbacks of feeding shrimp to Betta fish are as follows:
Pros
- They will be able to fulfill their innate need to hunt.
- Make Betta responsive.
- In cases of constipation, it is helpful.
- Until the time of their demise, they won’t poison the tank.
Cons
- It could also bring illnesses with it.
- Compared to frozen and freeze-dried shrimp, these shrimps are more expensive.
Frozen Shrimps
The price of live shrimp is higher. Frozen shrimp are great for Betta fish if you don’t mind sacrificing nutritional content. They are available at pet stores in the form of cubes. Simply take a piece off the cube and place it in the aquarium with the Betta fish.
Tetra Jumbokrill Jumbo Shrimp is a good one you can feed to betta.
The following are some benefits and disadvantages of frozen shrimp:
Pros
- Simple to feed.
- More power over nutrient content.
- It is safe to keep it for up to six months.
- Unaffected by contagious illnesses.
Cons
- Nutritional value is poor.
- Additional cubes might contaminate your tank.
- It’ll make them boring.
- Because it doesn’t satisfy Bettas’ appetite for hunting, it could lead to tension.
Freeze-Dried Shrimps
Freeze-dried shrimp is another favorite meal for your bettas. For a variety of reasons, these shrimp are better for bettas. They go through a thorough preservation process, ensuring their immunity to infections. There is no need to worry about these as a result. Having freeze-dried shrimp on hand allows you to go longer without making a grocery run, which is just one of the numerous advantages. Amzey Dries Shrimp Fish Foods is a great one.
Here is something to keep in mind while you feed these shrimp to your Bettas. These are dried out in order to have a longer shelf life. As a result, you must soak them in water for around 20 minutes before giving them to your bettas. Your betta will have constipation if this doesn’t happen.
Pros
- Compared to live shrimp, these shrimps are more nutritious.
- They are simple to care for and feed.
- Since they are untainted, they cannot possibly be carriers of illnesses.
Cons
- The process of soaking freeze-dried shrimp in water for around 20 minutes involves time but is simple to feed.
- Your Betta might become ill from improper soaking, which could lead to constipation.
How To Feed Freeze-dried Shrimp For Bettas?
Freeze-dried shrimp has a high protein content and is a popular meal for Bettas. For your Bettas, their smaller quantity is sufficient. There are several differences between freeze-dried shrimp and live or frozen shrimp compared to those two types. To feed freeze-dried shrimp to Betta fish, follow the instructions in the section below.
Avoid adding them directly to the Betta fish aquarium. These shrimp are dried out, so they need to take in water to make up for lost volume. As a result, immerse the freeze-dried shrimp in a bowl or other water-filled container. Supply the fish tank with it after 20 minutes.
If you feed them to Betta without first soaking them in water, they will swell back up to their original size. They will revert to their previous size and then grow till they reach Betta’s stomach. They have several illnesses as a result, with constipation at the top of the list.
How Frequently And How Much Should I Feed?
Despite the fact that shrimp are a good source of protein, it is advised against making them a staple food since it will upset your Bettas and produce problems in your tank. You just need to feed your Bettas a feast of shrimp twice or three times (2 or 3) per week.
Each time, you may only give the bettas a portion of freeze-dried brine shrimp that is the size of their eyes. They will get overweight if you give them more than that. Numerous issues, including water pollution and algal growth, are brought on by overfeeding.
How To Use Live Brine Shrimp For Bettas?
The nutritional value of live shrimp is higher than that of frozen shrimp. If the cube is frozen, break a piece off and place it in your fish tank. Preparing live shrimp, however, is not the same as preparing frozen or freeze-dried shrimp. There is one straightforward approach for using live brine shrimp for Betta.
Acclimating brine shrimp is necessary. To acclimate it, immerse it in water for 20 minutes. You may add them to your fish aquarium after 20 minutes. Don’t immediately submerge them in water. Release them around the tank at intervals of a few minutes. Don’t forget to distribute them evenly around the tank’s corners. Consequently, everyone receives a fair portion. Feeding should occur every two to three days.
Compatible Shrimp Species That Can Live With Betta Fish
Betta fish live a long time, which may appear to be an inordinate amount of time for them to spend alone. Betta fish and some types of shrimp get along nicely, so your favorite pet will have a buddy.
Ghost Shrimp
These calm shrimp are the ideal addition to your Betta aquarium. The ghost shrimp won’t harm any of your plants since they will clean up all the leftover food that the fish leaves behind. Additionally, they don’t attack other fish.
Amano Shrimp
These shrimp make a great addition to the tank as well. If you plan to add them to your tank, make sure you have more than one shrimp to add at a time, just like you would with any other variety of shrimp.
Cherry Shrimp
These shrimp are among the varieties of miniature shrimp available at pet stores. Because of their size, they are not a fantastic option. It is advisable to avoid adding these shrimp to your tank because a Betta will attack the majority of the tiny ones on sight, and the bigger ones will be hit or miss.
Crystal Red Shrimp
These shrimp should also be avoided since they belong to the dwarf species. If you must have them, make sure you have enough items and plants for them to hide in a while crossing your fingers.
Bamboo Shrimp
Because it is bigger, this kind of shrimp might go well with the Betta, although it is usually recommended to stay away from them. The best living circumstances for them are incompatible, not because the Betta would attack them but rather because of this.
River Shrimp
As long as they are the larger ones that you find in the river nearby, this is one of the better options for your Betta tank. The shrimp will need some time to adjust to captivity, but once they do, the Betta and River Shrimp may live together in the same tank without any issues.
You take a gamble by adding shrimp to your Betta aquarium, just like you would if you tried to add any other fish. The temperament of your Betta, which is special, will play a significant role in how aggressive it is. You won’t have success adding anything to the tank, even any form of shrimp if your Betta is a “one fish in a tank kind of fish.”
Safety Tips To Keep Your Shrimp Safe
You should be able to add some shrimp to the tank if your Betta is not too hostile. Shrimp are excellent tank cleaners, so they’re a terrific method for maintaining a clean, fresh environment for all of the fish in the tank. It is not in your best interests to introduce them without planning, so be sure to read through and cross out each of these suggestions beforehand.
Have A Large Tank
Bettas have a strong sense of home. They require lots of room to move about. Bettas and shrimp will be able to live happily in a big tank. The bettas are less likely to attack the shrimp in larger tanks. If the tank is tiny, the bettas will see the shrimp all the time. So there is a greater likelihood that they may assault the shrimp.
Provide Ample Hiding Places
The next step after spending money on a big tank is to stock the tank with lots of hiding spots. The shrimp will stay away from the bettas if there are hiding spots.
When shrimp molt, they lose their outer skin and create a new one, making them more prone to harm. The shrimp will be able to take cover until their shell hardens if they have places to hide in such situations. The bettas will feel comfortable since they can find a cozy area to relax in their hiding locations. You may create hiding areas in an aquarium by adding plants, rocks, caverns, aquarium decorations, and coverings, among other things.
Feed Bettas Adequately
Another technique to preserve the shrimp is to provide them with enough food. If there is a lack of food, bettas may become hostile.
To satisfy their appetites, they can begin to attack the shrimp. It is possible to stop this hostility by providing appropriate meals.
The bettas will remain calm and become less antagonistic toward the shrimp as a result.
Introduce Bettas To A Shrimp Tank
Bettas have a strong sense of home. When a tankmate enters their domain, they attack them all. Therefore, it is better to introduce Betta fish to a tank of shrimp.
This will be beneficial since the shrimp must have established their area and won’t encroach on the bettas’ territory. Betta’s hostility can be reduced by adding it later to the tank.
In an unknown setting, they won’t become hostile.
House Large-Sized Shrimp With Bettas
In an aquarium, size matters since bigger animals sometimes consume their smaller tankmates. As a result, the larger the shrimp, the better its chances of survival.
Bettas typically avoid attacking larger shrimp. Bettas won’t harm shrimp-like Amano or ghost shrimp. Dwarf shrimp, on the other hand, struggle to coexist with Bettas. Bettas will be free to nibble on little shrimp if you keep them.
What is the difference between Amano Shrimp and Ghost Shrimp? Find here.
The Betta itself is the last element. The size of the shrimp may not matter if you have an aggressive fish since the Betta will still attack and kill it if it feels threatened because it is a territorial fish. You might not want to add shrimp to the tank if you’ve observed that your fish is hostile and loves its own area.
If your Betta keeps attacking your shrimp, you may want to either stop trying to add a shrimp to the tank or change the tank’s temperature and airflow to pacify them. The more active and aggressive a fish is, the better off it is for its lifestyle. It could be possible to combine the two if the tank is just slightly off, but you must be careful to avoid making the adjustments too much or you will kill both of them.
Conclusion
Betta fish will not consume shrimp that are the same size as themselves, but if they do not like the notion of sharing, they will not hesitate to attack and kill it. You must be aware that the Betta fish you purchase at the pet store was raised on a farm in Thailand or another Asian nation and is kept in tiny jars and cups. An excellent method to add interest and diversity to your Betta fish aquarium is by adding shrimp.
In terms of aesthetics, ecology, and practicality, shrimp and Bettas go well together. However, it’s crucial to do your homework in advance and to make sure you’re introducing the correct kind of shrimp since certain shrimp and Betta species just don’t get along.
FAQ
Can A Shrimp Kill A Betta Fish?
In general, shrimp are not aggressive. Having said that, it’s not unusual to hear tales of shrimp attacking a Betta fish that is ill or close to death. Although they can’t actually consume the full Betta, they can harm its tail and fins. Bettas in good health should be fully safe from shrimp unless they are quite huge.
Do Shrimp Eat Algae In A Betta Fish Tank?
Although shrimp do consume algae, they are not the best algae eaters. Choose a different kind of shrimp if you’re seeking one that can keep your tank clean.
Can We Grow Shrimps For Betta Fish?
You can, of course, increase your shrimp stock. For uprearing, you’ll need shrimp eggs, baking soda, salt, and purified water. A bottle of distilled water should include roughly 12 teaspoons of eggs, 14 teaspoons of baking soda, and 2 teaspoons of salt. Use a bubbler to aerate it. You may give young shrimp to Betta fish after finding them a few days later.
