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Betta Fish Not Eating? Here’s What You Need to Know
Betta fish have the instinct to eat what they find in the wild. They exhibit the same behavior in aquariums. But you might encounter the condition when your betta refuses the food you offer. It’s not rare, as I had personally experienced it when my new betta King started to spit the frozen foods even though it was not new to me. If it’s for a short period, it’s usual, and you need nothing to do. However, if the situation persists for a long, it could indicate severe illness or another health issue.
The problem of betta fish not eating the food is commonly observed by the new betta owners when they introduce a betta to a new environment. Let’s discuss some of the serious reasons behind the alarming condition of bettas refusing food.
Causes of Betta Fish Not Eating
Picky Eating Habits
Betta fish have a selective nature when it comes to eating food. They sometimes reject the food you offer without any reason. In such cases, you don’t need to worry. There could be several reasons behind this behavior. You need to change your food type, texture, and feeding schedule.
Overfeeding or Lack of Hunger
Bettas accept every bit of food you offer. So sometimes they may go overfeeding and ultimately lack appetite in the long term. It can lead to going for several days without eating. Bettas decline the food for more than a week. If the condition persists for a long term, it could be alarming for your betta. To overcome this problem, the amount of feeding should be minimal.
Overfeeding also results in uneaten food, which can increase ammonia levels in the tank. Betta may rely on uneaten food as its primary source, which is undesirable. Clean the substrate regularly to remove leftover food.
Behavioral Traits
Bettas might refuse to eat one specific type of food and accept the other. For instance, my own betta always avoids pellets and flakes. Initially, I misunderstood this behavior as not eating food; however, with time, I realized it was a behavioral trait and started offering his favorite options, like live or frozen foods.
Poor Water Quality
It’s the quality of water on which everything of betta fish depends. Water conditions significantly affect the appetite of betta fish. Water with abnormal ammonia, nitrate, and nitrite levels stress the betta, reducing hunger.
Even if test strips indicate safe levels of ammonia, pH, and nitrate, the water still poses unfavorable conditions for your betta fish. Use up-to-date and branded water testing kits to reduce the chances of inaccuracy in measuring water parameters. Additionally, increase the frequency of water changes and upgrade your tank to a larger size.
Temperature Concerns
Temperature is the crucial parameter for betta fish, so we are covering it separately. Bettas survive in tropical regions where the temperature ranges from 78-82°F. An unsuitable water temperature can affect the betta’s digestive tract and lead to a lack of appetite.
The solution is simple: If the tank temperature is lower than the ideal range, gradually raise it (2°F per hour) until it reaches an optimum level. There should be an even temperature distribution across all aquarium areas. To ensure a stable and even temperature, provide a reliable heater that functions appropriately.
Avoiding Contaminants
Any chemicals on your hands, like soap, lotions, or perfumes, can contaminate the water and harm the fish. Before handling tank items, always rinse your hands with hot water (without soap). If contamination occurs, replace everything in the tank, as filters cannot remove these substances.
Potential Illness or Parasites
One of the significant causes of betta’s refusal to eat is illness like fin rot, lethargy, swim bladder, and discoloration. Monitor for any signs of sickness. If you observe white spots or specks, it could indicate a fungal or bacterial infection.
Hyper-aggression, anxiety, or lethargy indicate stress. Anything other than usual, such as a smaller tank and high ammonia and nitrate levels, can lead to stress in the betta. To eliminate this, consider using a stress-relief product like a stress coat to calm your betta. If you don’t observe any visible signs of illness and the betta’s fins are fully open as usual, it’s likely adjusting and not ill.
Stress from a New Environment
Upon introducing your betta to a new environment, it often stops eating temporarily. The unfamiliar environment of the new tank can overwhelm the betta, resulting in a temporary loss of appetite.
To resolve the issue, keep the lights off to maintain a calm environment. You all need to give your betta time to adjust to its surroundings and acclimate before introducing food. Additionally, be consistent with feeding times and food choices. Avoid offering too many options at once to confuse him.
Lack of Resting Spots
Bettas usually eat near the water’s surface. If they don’t find any resting spot near the water’s surface, they won’t come to the top for eating, ultimately resulting in food refusal.
Unusual Causes and Considerations
Climate and Seasonal Changes
If you do not use a reliable heater that maintains a stable temperature, sudden temperature fluctuations, especially during cold winters, can affect bettas’ appetite.
Inbreeding
I have noticed that my personal bettas sometimes exhibit unusual symptoms despite ideal care conditions. After much experimentation, I discovered that inbreeding contributes to bettas’ sensitivity and health problems.
Possible Blindness
If your betta doesn’t react to movement or food, blindness might be a factor. This is sometimes genetic, especially in bettas with the “opaque” gene. To feed a blind betta, place food near its mouth and allow it to feel it physically.
Age: Bettas older than 3 or 4 years, their average lifespan, may stop eating food. Inexperienced betta lovers often buy gull-grown fish at a disadvantage. Ensure the fish you source from stores is young and in good health.
Treatment – Addressing Appetite Issues
There is not a single solution to the betta’s hunger problem. Just like the issue is caused by several reasons, so are the solutions for each reason separately. We are going to talk about some of the most common treatments that should be carried out to let the betta resume eating food.
Treating Constipation
- Stop feeding for two days.
- If the issue persists, feed half a boiled and skinned pea. Wait 24 hours before feeding again, and monitor results.
- As a last resort, try feeding daphnia, which is rich in chitin and can help clear blockages.
Adding Tannins
Adding tannins to the betta tank has multiple benefits. It is considered one of the emergency remedies against bacterial, fungal, and parasitic infections. It mimics a betta’s natural habitat. Tannins can be beneficial when you are unsure how to deal with a specific disease. You can get tannins from:
- Indian almond leaves
- Alder cones
- Blackwater extract
- Organic rooibos tea bags (unsweetened)
Adjusting Tank Setup
Rearrange the tank decorations occasionally so that bettas find a new environment. This will prevent the betta from getting bored in an existing environment. It has been experienced that bettas resume eating food when we change the tank setup. Ensure frequent hiding and resting places, as shy bettas prefer to stay in hidden places.
Avoid Overuse of Aquarium Salt
Betta owners usually treat most chronic problems with aquarium salt. Remember, aquarium salt should only be used when necessary. Using salt frequently can harm the fish’s labyrinth organ, leading to further chronic issues and a loss of appetite in the long term.
If you have used the aquarium salt for any valid reason, remove it immediately after fulfilling the mission by regularly changing the water.
Tips to Improve Appetite
Improve the betta’s appetite by encouraging natural behavior and increasing interest in food. For that, provide live food such as live mosquito larvae. Use frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, and sun-dried shrimp to offer variety and nutritional balance. I use the following brands of food for my personal bettas.
- Omega One
- New Life Spectrum Thera +A (contains garlic for immune boosting and appetite stimulation)
- Fluval Bug Bites (made of insect larvae, offering natural protein)
Other techniques that have worked for me to improve betta fish’s desire for food include slowly introducing the food and mixing it with other familiar foods. Soaking pellets in garlic juice makes them more appetizing and provides immune-boosting benefits.
Similarly, break the food bites into smaller pieces of betta’s eye per meal. I have always avoided sudden movements near the tank to minimize external disturbances.
Avoid using melafix, as it contains essential oils that are ineffective against pathogens and may harm bettas.
To learn more about feeding your betta fish, don’t miss reading our complete article.
