Why is My Betta fish Not Eating and Stays at the top of the tank?

Question

my betta fish doesnt eat the food that i got from the pet store (tropical fish food), my other fish eat the food but not him, also he always spends time at the top of the tank and hides behind my filter???

Answer 1

It's not unusual for bettas to spend their time at the top of the water - their upturned mouth shows they feed from the surface and they have a labyrinth organ that allows them to breathe surface air.

Yours might be hiding if its fairly new in your tank (which could also explain him not eating yet), or if he's being bullied by another fish. Even though they have a reputation as "fighting fish" they really do most of their fighting with other bettas and are more likely the ones that get picked on when other fish are in the same tank.

Another thought is that the current from your filter is too strong for him - the longer fins don't let them swim as easily as other fish, so he may be trying to find a place where the current isn't as strong so he gets a rest.

Bettas aren't fed flake food as much as small pellets, so he may not be used to seeing flakes and doesn't recognize them as food yet. If you are feeding pellets, make sure they aren't too big for him. You can try soaking them in a little tank water for about a minute before you put them in the tank to feed to soften them, and this may help him if they're on the large side for him. And try giving him (and the rest of the fish) a little variety by giving them treats now and then - things like frozen bloodworms, enriched brine shrimp, or daphnia make a nice change.

Answer 2

so fed up in seeing human beings submit you cant save a Betta in a fish bowl without filter out. I truly have had the comparable Betta for 3 years interior the comparable bowl with NOOO issues. a week I get rid of a million/2 the water and replace with new. that's the third betta I truly have owned in this tank. the 1st one I had for rather much 4 years , the 2nd 2 years and the only I at present have I have been given rather much 3 years in the past.

Answer 3

Its normal unless hes hiding at same time because they breed oxygen.

Fish usually gets nervous(mostly from new tank) when you put him in the tank but in awhile he will get used. Instead of tropical flakes try use Betta Flakes and pellets and also try give him thaw peas as a treat. You can also give him bloodworms too!

For him to get comfortable turn of the tank light, give him food and leave the room and let him eat in peace and continue to do this for a day or so. So next time you go in the room he shouldnt be hiding.

It also could be stress from the water check to see if its 75 to 80degrees Fahrenheit.

Change 25% to 50% of the water and check the ammonia, nitrite and nitrate levels.

Hope this info helps
WT

Answer 4

i dont think beta fish eat tropical fish food. i used to feed mine special beta pellets that looked like little black specks. they also eat freeze-dried bloodworms.
i think these fish are carnivorous. so they only eat their special food, worms, and other fish.

Answer 5

hes probably dead my advice is to flush him :]

Answer 6

they all do that