Marine Betas - Anyone keep 'em successfully?

[Otakuthugster]

I recently bought a Marine Beta a few days ago on impulse, and finally, while reading up on 'em, I realized they are very picky eaters. I can't tell if mine is eating 'cause it prefers hanging out in the caves, where I can't see its behavior. Has anyone kept one before? And if so, what kind of foods can you recommend?

 

[tuberider]

I've kept them in the past and had very good luck with them, the only thing (as you have noticed) is they can take a while to adapt to your garden variety fish chow. I make sure they eat before I buy, not that they can't be tempted with a feeder guppy or two or grass shrimp, those only get a response out of them, then you need to wean them over to chunks of shrimp and silversides.

 

[Otakuthugster]

Thanks for the advice, Jeremy. Looks like I might be in a bit over my head. I'm sure I can find some feeder guppies at the lfs, but where can I find grass shrimp and eventually, silversides?

 

[Lyn]

I think he means frozen silversides that you can get at most LFSs.

Good luck with your M. Betta.

 

[tuberider]

Sherri is correct, frozen silversides. AFA shrimp some LFS carry them, and most bait shops, ask your LFS about feeder shrimp.

 

[Ocean Treasures Aquarium]

I would use ghost shrimp and pinch them a bit so they cannot take off before the fish gets tot them. Guppies are fast moving and the beta like to hunt slow somewhat. Silversides would be great

 

[Otakuthugster]

Ok, ghost shrimp, gotcha. You sell any in your store, Derek?

Also, is night time feeding a must? I've read about that in a few forums.

 

[Otakuthugster]

Holy crap. I just saw the Beta opens its mouth while drinking in some water, and it has a lot bigger mouth that I imagined. I think it may be eating, tho'. I put in 6 chromis yesterday, and now I only have 4.