Just a couple of basic questions.

[dyhoward]

Hey all, I'm a brand new betta owner, just bought my fish about 24 hours ago. Hes a male red crowntail named Ryu, in a medium-small fishbowl here at my apartment. I've just got a few questions as a new owner.

1, My fish seems to enjoy simply floating or skimming around the surface of the tank. I know they are slow swimmers, but is it normal for them to stay so near the surface 80% of the time?

2. He doesn't seem to like the food i have. I'm not too concerned yet, as they don't eat much and I've had him only a day, but he hasn't eaten even one of the pellets. I'm using Wardley brand "betta food". He has struck at a few pellets, but never eaten any. The pellets, when the are soaked, look like they may be to big for him to eat. I've read that brine shrimp or insect larvae are good for Bettas, but the store i was at didn't sell any. There is a larger pet store across town i could check though. Would you recommend shrimp or larvae instead of pellets?

Ryu and I would appreciate any advice you have on these. Thanks!

[Euphie101]

Both my boys and my girl took a while to adjust before actually eating anything. Euphie took about 3 days, Louie one day, and Aurorum 4 days. He's probably just geting used to his surroundings. Congrats on your new betta BTW. I have the Wardley brand too, and for the most part my fish seem to like it. I don't know anything about your first question though, since none of my fish do it.

[dyhoward]

thanks for the help.

[karlhague]

Originally Posted by dyhoward

thanks for the help.

Bettas thrive in tanks, most bowls need DAILY water changes.

And with winter comming will need a heater...

[KukaaKatchou]

My Sam didn't eat for the first 2 or 3 days and now he is a piggie.

[dyhoward]

Originally Posted by karlhague

Bettas thrive in tanks, most bowls need DAILY water changes.

And with winter comming will need a heater...

Thanks for the tip, i'll make sure to keep an eye on the water temp.

[dyhoward]

Originally Posted by KukaaKatchou

My Sam didn't eat for the first 2 or 3 days and now he is a piggie.

Good to know. If still isn't eating by Tuesday evening I'll go look for some brine shrimp or something.

[Capricorn]

Bettas can survive for quite a while without food. A good pellet should be the staple of his diet, and things like brine shrimp and bloodworms can be fed as "treats" once or twice a week. If he's not eating, he could still be adjusting.. you did just get him. Give him a couple more days, when he gets hungry enough, he'll eat.

[dyhoward]

Thanks. I'm just a little worried about him, as all hes been doing 80% of the time is hovering right at the surface, next to the wall. Maybe thats just what hes used to doing as it was all he could do in the tiny cup i bought him in.

[TigerLily]

When I used the Wardley brand pellets, they seemed to be a little big for my fish, you could try crushing them up a little.