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How to Help a Betta Fish Eat, Even When They Don’t Want To?

Bettas are beautiful fish that come in a wide array of colors and patterns. They’re also known for being picky eaters. Many betta owners report that their pet refuses to eat the recommended betta food, often leaving it floating uneaten at the surface of the tank. If your betta is one of these finicky fish, read on for some helpful tips on getting them to eat.

What You Should Know About Bettas and Eating

Unlike most other fish, bettas don’t have teeth or stomachs. They can’t chew their food, so they must swallow it whole. In the wild, bettas eat live insects, small fish, and worms. Since you can’t feed your betta live insects, worms, or other small fish at home, you’ll need to feed them special betta pellets, freeze-dried bloodworms, or brine shrimp. Unfortunately, these common betta food options are often less than ideal:

– Betta pellets – These pellets were developed for aquarium fish, and they’re usually a suitable betta food. However, if your betta is finicky, these pellets may not float well at the surface of the tank, where a betta’s natural feeding instincts are activated.

– Freeze-dried bloodworms – These are often used as a treat for aquarium fish, not as a daily staple. If your betta has become accustomed to eating this food, they may refuse to switch to a more appropriate diet.

– Brine shrimp – Brine shrimp are a great betta food, but they can be difficult to source, and they’re more expensive than other betta foods. Many bettas won’t recognize brine shrimp as food, and they may ignore them sitting on the surface of the tank.

Try Different Foods

If your betta is hungry, but they’re not eating the food you give them, try different betta food brands. Bettas are known for their specific and unusual tastes, and the food you’ve been feeding them may have become boring to them. Some bettas only eat live food, and if you can’t find a brand of freeze-dried insects, you can try feeding them live mealworms, crickets, or other small live insects. You can also try feeding them freshly caught insects or worms. You may have to try a few different foods or feeding methods to find one your betta will eat.

Try Different Feeding Schedules

If your betta still isn’t eating after trying different foods, try changing the schedule of when you feed them. Bettas are naturally nocturnal, meaning they hunt and eat at night. If you feed your betta in the morning, they may be too tired to notice the food at the surface of the tank. Try feeding them in the evening instead and see if they’re more active during the day and hungry enough to notice the food.

Try Different Locations for Feeding

Bettas are incredibly territorial, and they’re particularly aggressive against members of their species. If your betta is being aggressive while eating, they may not be hungry enough to notice the food at the surface of the tank. Try feeding them in a separate location in the tank to see if their aggressive behavior subsides. You can also try changing the location of their food in the tank to see if they notice it more when it’s closer to them.

Conclusion

Bettas are beautiful fish that come in a wide array of colors and patterns. They’re also known for being picky eaters. Many betta owners report that their pet refuses to eat the recommended food, often leaving it floating uneaten at the surface of the tank. If your betta is one of these finicky fish, read on for some helpful tips on getting them to eat. If your betta is still not eating, you should contact your veterinarian for a thorough examination and diagnosis. There are many reasons fish might not be eaten, and you’ll need to figure out what the problem is so you can solve it.

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