can excessive microworms harm betta fry?

[aqualuna]

First time breeding betta here, specifically the alien breed. I started feeding the fry microworms on the 4th day, but by the 7th day, I was left with just one survivor - the rest didn't make it. What's weird is that I noticed a lot of microworms were still swimming around at the bottom of the water.

Does anyone know when it's best to remove the male betta from the fry? I've heard some people say 4 days, while others claim it's 2 weeks. I'm really beating myself up over this, feeling bad for the little guys.

[roygun_1]

First time breeding betta here, specifically the alien breed. I started feeding the fry microworms on the 4th day, but by the 7th day, I was left with just one survivor - the rest didn't make it. What's weird is that I noticed a lot of microworms were still swimming around at the bottom of the water.

Does anyone know when it's best to remove the male betta from the fry? I've heard some people say 4 days, while others claim it's 2 weeks. I'm really beating myself up over this, feeling bad for the little guys.

I'm curious about your feeding schedule - how often and how much are you providing for the betta fry at a time. Typically, they require small amounts 3-4 times a day, similar to the conditioning process for your male and female prior to spawning.

As for the male betta, it's generally recommended to remove him when the fry start 'free swimming', usually around two days post-hatching. You'll notice he'll stop catching falling fry, the bubble nest will begin to dissipate, and he'll start searching for food in the tank - these are good indicators that his job is done. To be safe, it's best to remove him before the babies' first meal at 3 days old.

[aqualuna]

First time breeding betta here, specifically the alien breed. I started feeding the fry microworms on the 4th day, but by the 7th day, I was left with just one survivor - the rest didn't make it. What's weird is that I noticed a lot of microworms were still swimming around at the bottom of the water.

Does anyone know when it's best to remove the male betta from the fry? I've heard some people say 4 days, while others claim it's 2 weeks. I'm really beating myself up over this, feeling bad for the little guys.

I'm curious about your feeding schedule - how often and how much are you providing for the betta fry at a time. Typically, they require small amounts 3-4 times a day, similar to the conditioning process for your male and female prior to spawning.

As for the male betta, it's generally recommended to remove him when the fry start 'free swimming', usually around two days post-hatching. You'll notice he'll stop catching falling fry, the bubble nest will begin to dissipate, and he'll start searching for food in the tank - these are good indicators that his job is done. To be safe, it's best to remove him before the babies' first meal at 3 days old.

I feed the betta fry 3 times a day. I'm still unsure about the amount, though - I usually use an ear cotton bud to feed them.

I think the male betta must have eaten most of the fry, since I didn't see many dead bodies.
Thanks for the info, it's really helpful.

I'm glad I still have 2 survivors, and I hope they'll grow up well.

[roygun_1]

First time breeding betta here, specifically the alien breed. I started feeding the fry microworms on the 4th day, but by the 7th day, I was left with just one survivor - the rest didn't make it. What's weird is that I noticed a lot of microworms were still swimming around at the bottom of the water.

Does anyone know when it's best to remove the male betta from the fry? I've heard some people say 4 days, while others claim it's 2 weeks. I'm really beating myself up over this, feeling bad for the little guys.

That should be fine. I'd suggest using a clean ice pop stick or something similar to avoid any accidental ingestion of the cotton wool. I personally use wooden coffee stirrers from McDonald's, they work a treat.

It's possible the male may have eaten some of the fry, especially if he's been in the tank for a while. Don't be too hard on yourself, though - just do your best to raise the remaining two and see how it goes. Remember, it's all part of the learning process and you'll pick up new things with every spawn.

Keep us updated on how your fry are doing, and good luck with your breeding adventures.

[coltin]

For the initial two weeks, it's essential for baby labyrinth fishes, such as betta and gourami, to have access to green water or infusoria, like paramecium. This provides them with the necessary nutrients during their early stages of development.

After this period, you can start introducing newly hatched brine shrimp and microworms into their diet. I've come across a helpful resource that offers guidance on culturing food for baby fish, which I've linked below.

In case of an emergency, boiled egg yolk can be used as an alternative. This method is also discussed in the provided link.

www.fishforums.net

[aqualuna]

I think using a toothpick is a great idea for feeding your remaining fry one by one, especially since there's only a few left. Egg yolk is also a good alternative, I've heard it works in a pinch. Don't worry if they seem hesitant at first, just be patient and keep trying. I'm looking forward to hearing about their progress in the future. You're welcome, and I'm glad I could help - good luck with your little guys.