Feeding experiments

One of experimentations that we've been doing is to feed the fish on different ways. It has been known that giant needs lots of food, but what does that really mean? Some considered feeding once everyday to be "lots" already, others feed them 2 or 3 times per day. What about feeding them once every couple of days? Sure that's regular, but not terribly lots...

On one tank, we've got the contenders having abundance of live blackworms, they don't have to worry about food. These guys surprisingly grow slower compared to the 2nd experimentation. The reason why they grow slower is perhaps attributed to "it's plenty of foods around, no need to worry of eating, hence no urges to keep eating". They are healthy with no apparent diseases, belly not terribly large, aggression isn't showing.

On another tank, we feed them 3 or 4 times a day, whenever we're around. Each feeding makes their belly nearly blowing up. These guys are larger than the 1st experiment. Some even double the size! They are much more active and aggressive. 1 or 2 of them are bloating right after meals, indicating that they ate excessively - the symptoms don't last long of course, once they're hungry again they'd hunt for more food. Not much nipping happens between the fish, indicating that their aggression was only towards foods. Females are terribly bouncy, with very apparent eggs deposit.

On a separate tank, we feed them once a day. Very similar to the previous tank, they're active and always hungry. Scouring the tank for foods, flaring, and terribly happy whenever they see us - but disappointed since we fed the next tank rather than them.

It seems that experiment #2 and #3 are suitable for giants where their growth needs to be supported with frequent feedings. However, caution needs to be practiced. Once they are larger, say 3 or 4 months, the frequency of feedings needs to be reduced. Otherwise they have the tendency of becoming "obese". Obesity in bettas, though mostly not showing up in males, can be easily noticed in females. Nothing wrong with obese bettas, they breed as usual etc. However, we believe that obesity reduce their lifespan. Perhaps along with the theory "eat more and die faster". Basically confirming that their metabolisms are higher with the high intake of foods and lack of exercises.

It is interesting that the older they get, the lesser they need feeding. While females want foods every day they see you, males can be fed once every other day. They worry about their manhood rather than the foods. So long you give them good exercises, they will simply focus on the guy next door.