One of the most common problems betta fish have is not eating enough food. Even though betta fish are carnivorous and only eat meat, they still need a varied diet. There can be a number of reasons why your betta fish is not eating. It could be due to stress, illness, or diet.
If your betta fish is not eating, you should consult with an aquarium specialist to determine the cause and find a solution. In the meantime, here are some tips to help get your betta fish-eating again.
There can be various reasons why your betta fish is not eating. Here are seven of the most common reasons:
Why is my betta fish not eating
1. The betta fish is not interested in the food
This is often the case when you switch to a new type of food. Bettas are creatures of habit and will usually only eat food that they are used to. If you have recently changed the type of food you are feeding your betta, give it some time to get used to the new food before you worry that it is not eating.
2. The betta fish is not getting enough exercise
Betta fish need regular exercise in order to stay healthy. If your betta is not getting enough exercise, it may stop eating in order to conserve energy. Make sure you are providing your betta with suitable habitat and plenty of toys to play with.
3. The water temperature is not right
Betta fish need water that is between 78 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit in order to thrive. If the water temperature in your betta's tank is too low or too high, it may stop eating.
4. The water quality is not right
If the water in your betta's tank does not have enough oxygen, or if it has a pH that is outside of the optimal range, your betta fish will be less likely to eat. Make sure you are testing the water quality in your tank regularly and taking corrective action as needed.
5. The betta fish is stressed
Betta fish are very sensitive to stress and can become inactive and stop eating when they are feeling stressed. If you think your betta may be stressed, try adding some aquarium plants to its tank and providing it with some entertainment.
6. Your betta fish is experiencing health problems
If your betta fish has a health problem such as fin rot or dropsy, it may stop eating while it tries to fight off the illness. If your betta has any of these illnesses, you should take it to the pet store or a fish veterinarian so that it can receive treatment.
7. Your betta fish is full
When your betta eats too much food at once, it may spit out some of its food because there is not enough room in its stomach to hold it all. If this happens, wait ten minutes and see if your betta eats the food that spits out. If it does not, use a turkey baster to suck up the floating food and remove it from your tank.