i have a betta fish and he won't eat please help?

Question

i have a betta and he was really healthy and swimming around and building nest and the next day he wouldn't eat and now he just sits at the bottom of the tank can someone please help?

Answer 1

I've had this with several of my bettas but it was right after I first got them and within about 4 or 5 days they got used to the food and have eaten normally ever since. I feed them Hikari betta bio-gold and it says right on the back of the bag "Bettas are finicky eaters and often resist a new type of food. Continued use will ensure acceptance. It is not uncommon for Bettas to take up to 5 days to adjust to a new food."

I also have a sick betta who looks like he has dropsy. Before he got swollen and stayed at the top of the tank he just sat in one place on the bottom and didn't eat so I hope this isn't happening.

So keep feeding em but not over-feeding. Good luck.

Answer 2

a little more detail would help. it does sound like depression, but it could be any number of things. however depression is not caused by not having a mate, bettas can be and are perfectly happy alone.

what is the water temp? it should be between 78°F and 80°F
what size tank is he in? if he is expected to swim he needs room, for an active betta 2.5gallons is a minimum.
how often do you change the water or do you have a filter?
what are the levels of ammonia, pH, nitrates, nitrites?
are there any other symptoms like bloating, pine cone scales, white speckles, white patches, ect?

before anyone can give good advise we need more info.

Answer 3

keep the water temp to 80F. And feed him some freeze dried bloodworms... He might be just depressed from not having a mate.

Answer 4

Change the water.

Answer 5

Maybe your over feeding it???