A guide to feeding: Koi Fighters

Feeding Koi Fighter fish the right way is crucial to ensure their vibrant colours, active behaviour, and overall well-being. Koi Fighters, a popular Betta splendens variety, need a protein-rich, carnivorous diet and can be picky about food texture and taste. A high-quality pellet like Intan Betta Pellets, offers the ideal nutrition to support growth, immunity, and colour enhancement.

Feeding Koi Fighters the right way is essential if you want these colourful, active fish to thrive and show off their full potential. Known for their vibrant patterns and feisty personality, Koi Fighters (a popular variety of Betta splendens) require a bit more attention when it comes to their diet and that’s exactly what this guide will walk you through.

Whether you're a first-time hobbyist or a seasoned aquarist, understanding the what, how much, and how often of feeding Koi Fighters can make all the difference.

What Makes Feeding Koi Fighters Different?

Koi Fighters are carnivorous by nature and thrive on a protein-rich diet. Unlike many community fish, they can be quite picky eaters and may ignore food that doesn't appeal to their taste or texture. That’s why feeding Koi Fighters isn’t just about dropping pellets into the tank, it’s about knowing their preferences and nutritional needs.

The Ideal Diet for Koi Fighters

When it comes to feeding Koi Fighters, variety is key. High-quality commercial food can keep them healthy, active, and brightly coloured.

• Betta-specific pellets: High-protein, floating pellets designed for Koi Fighters are ideal for daily feeding.

Intan Betta Pellets are floating, high-protein (40%) pellets specially crafted for Betta fish like Koi fighters. Made with quality ingredients, including fresh bloodworms and chironomid larvae, these pellets closely mimic a Betta’s natural diet. They support vibrant colouration through astaxanthin and promote healthy growth and immunity—making them an ideal, easily digestible daily diet for all types of fighter fish.

Feeding Frequency and Portion Control

One of the biggest mistakes while feeding Koi Fighters is overfeeding. Their small stomachs (roughly the size of their eyes) don’t need much, and excess food quickly pollutes the water.

Keep these guidelines in mind:

• Feed 1–2 times daily, depending on their age and activity level.
• Portion size: Only what they can finish in 1–2 minutes.
• Fasting day: Once a week, skip feeding to help clear their system.
• Remove uneaten food promptly to maintain water quality.

Signs of a Healthy Diet

A well-fed Koi Fighter will show:

• Bright, vivid colours
• Active swimming behaviour
• Smooth, well-formed fins
• Regular, healthy waste output

If your fish is lethargic, bloated, or disinterested in food, it may be a sign of overfeeding or the wrong type of food. Adjusting your feeding Koi Fighters routine can often fix the issue.

Common Feeding Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced keepers sometimes slip up. Here’s what to steer clear of when feeding Koi Fighters:

• Overfeeding is the #1 cause of poor water quality and health issues
• Feeding dry food without soaking
• Relying only on one type of food
• Feeding low-protein or plant-based pelletsInconsistent feeding schedules

Tips to Enhance Feeding Time

Make feeding Koi Fighters more enriching with these smart habits:

• Stick to a consistent time- they’ll begin to anticipate and respond
• Use feeding rings to control where food goes and reduce waste
• Rotate food types every few days to keep their appetite sharp
• Monitor their reaction- if they ignore certain food, try switching brands or textures

Keeping Koi Fighter Healthy

Feeding Koi Fighters isn’t complicated, but it does require attention, care, and a little planning. With the right balance of nutrition, variety, and feeding habits, your Koi Fighter won’t just survive, it will flourish.

Remember, a healthy diet means more than just full bellies, it means vibrant colours, flowing fins, and a tank full of energy. So feed smart, stay consistent, and watch your Koi Fighter become the star of your aquarium.

At Intan, we are here to provide you with premium fish feed. Our feed is tailored to meet the specific needs of each species. Every feed can spark positive change and create a future promoting quality, resilience, and well-being. We aim to serve the needs of hobbyists and breeders for the best quality of each species’ unique requirements. To know more about us, check out our Instagram page or contact us.

We are not just a brand; we are stewards of the underwater world. We believe in the well-being of our friends and their mental health. Understanding and addressing the stressors that affect fish is not just a concept for us, it's a commitment. Through our dedication to research and innovative products, we aim to ensure that fish everywhere can lead happier, healthier lives.