Betta won't eat?

[melerezs]

I have two betta fish from Petsmart. I got Finnick last Sunday and I got Draco last Tuesday. Draco eats fine. I feed him Aqauarian betta pellets and occasionally some freeze dried blood worms. Finnick hasn't eaten since I got him. He had fin rot when I got him but I cured him a couple of days ago, and he still won't eat. How long can bettas even live without eating? And how can I encourage him to eat something? He isn't depressed or anything because he's made two bubble nests since I got him..

[sainthogan]

Sometimes it takes a few weeks for a betta to feel comfortable enough in his surroundings to eat. Give him time. Also, bubble nests are not a sign of health or happiness, merely breeding readiness.

[melerezs]

still not eating...

[angus]

Have you tried flakes? My new fish won't eat pellets so I finally tried flakes and he's eating them.

[Kuronue]

You can try soaking your bettas food in garlic to make it more appetizing for him :3

[melerezs]

I feed flakes to the neon tetras and he isn't interested in them. though it's not like he has much time to eat them since the tetras are little fatties :P

[melerezs]

he's going to starve soon.

[sainthogan]

Originally Posted by melerezs

he's going to starve soon.

A Betta can go weeks without food before they'll starve, and more than likely, he'll start eating before then. My female went 2 weeks without food when she was sick and she's fine. I've heard of people on here who's fish have gone longer than that and they're fine. Give him a week or two before you get really worried.

[Perseusmom]

Sorry the little guy wont eat but dont give up and keep offering the food and some Betta will not eat for up to two weeks when they come into a new home. They can do quite awhile without food so hang in there and keep trying.

[angus]

Yes definitely keep trying. I finally got my betta to eat pellets tonight. I just decided to try and surprise surprise he gobbled them right up. Just make sure to try to clean up the food he doesn't eat.