2006-07-19 09:38:42 · 7 answers · asked by maple_mist46 1 in Pets ➔ Fish
Check his water temperature. Bettas thrive in water that is about 78 degrees (try to keep it between 75 and 80. They're tropical fish that need warm water to survive). They tend to be lethargic if their water is too cold.
You tank should be at least two (yes, TWO) gallons for your betta to have adequate space. The misinformation you hear about them living in puddles in rice paddy fields in the wild is wholly incorrect. Bettas jump (which is why acceptable betta tanks need lids), and have an enormous lateral space in which to jump from puddle to puddle. Also, those 'puddles' can get to be up to 3 or 4 feet deep. If nothing else, think of it this way... you could SURVIVE in a closet if someone gave you food and cleaned out your poop often enough, but that doesn't mean it's an acceptable standard of living. If your betta is currently in one of those horrid bowls, PLEASE invest $10 in a proper tank.
Maybe giving him an interesting large home with places to hide, plants (silk or real.. no plastic, as their fins tear when they catch on them. If you want real, look into a java fern. They're really really really easy to care for and require almost zero maintence and they keep your tank cleaner), marbles, or other decorations. Change the decorations around every time you clean the tank to give him a new space to explore and keep his mind engaged (yes, bettas get bored too).
As for feeding, try feeding two pellets in the morning and two in the evening. Every few days, feed a freeze-dried bloodworm in the evening instead of the two pellets. Bettas appreciate a varied diet.
If he is still acting abnormally, he is probably sick. Check for additional symptoms and look at http://www.bettatalk.com/betta_diseases.htm immediately and try to diagnose the problem so you can fix it as soon as possible.
2006-07-19 12:57:31 · answer #1 · answered by bettalover 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Check his water quality. You can buy a kit or get it done for free at some pet stores (especially PetSmart). If there are problems, they should be able to tell you how to fix it. He needs a 1 gal or bigger tank. Check to see if he has any spots on him, or specks, or stripes that arent supposed to be there, or if his fins look tattered, that means he's sick. His water temp is supposed to be between 72 and 78 degrees. A low water temp will make him lose his appetite. You can also try feeding him live blood worms. They are very good for him and look appetizing.
Good luck!
2006-07-19 17:12:33 · answer #2 · answered by Laurie 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can place the fish tank next to a warm place, perhaps it's cold, they stop eating when they feel cold. If your tank does have a thermostate then try changing the type of food. One thing they will never refuse is live food (Artemia)
2006-07-19 17:00:20 · answer #3 · answered by ace79_mx 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Like Lindsey said, try changing its food. With my first betta, I tried giving it some of the betta flakes, which I haven't EVER seen a betta eat, and it refused them. But when I gave it some of the pellet food, it ate it all. So, try changing the food.
2006-07-19 16:45:51 · answer #4 · answered by band_geek_til_2007 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
change his food maybe. mine did that and i just changed his food. try changin the water as well
2006-07-19 16:42:00 · answer #5 · answered by Lindsey 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
change his food
2006-07-19 17:06:57 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
maybe its full... =)
2006-07-19 16:41:46 · answer #7 · answered by redhead 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋