Timid fish help?

[KRTrenkamp]

I got a new Crowntail Betta just yesterday and I've noticed he is spooked easily and will hide if someone gets too close to the tank.

I have three other bettas who didn't act like this when I first got them so I'm not quite sure how to go about getting him used to me.

Any tips on how to get him used to me being around the tank without spooking him even more? Could it possibly be something else other than just shyness?

[shellieca]

It's not uncommon for a new Betta to be shy at 1st. I just keep going over to the tank & standing there & I'll usually break the feedings into even smaller portions so that they get used to me even quicker. They are little piggies so if you drop a pellet almost every time they see you, they associate you with food & usually warm up within in a few days.

[Myates]

Every betta is different.. I have some that ate and came up to me within the first 3 minutes of being placed in their tank for the first time, and yet had others that takes a while before they calm down. Got a new guy last Wed, today was the first day I got him to eat 1 pellet.. still skittish.

So you just got a guy that's a bit skittish.. he will calm on his own once he realizes the big "fish" coming up to his tank isn't going to harm him, but rather feed him. It may take a few weeks, or a few days.. but nothing to worry about.. their love for food will override their fear from you eventually lol

[babystarz]

Time is all he needs. Don't change your behavior or anything on his account, I'm sure he'll get used to you and his new environment and chill out :)

[KRTrenkamp]

Thanks so much! I appreciate the responses, and it makes me feel better.

I'll definitely take the advice you all gave me to good use.