New Betta not eating: Distressed or sick?

[vincedana]

I just purchased/rescued a betta from walmart. He appeared healthy and active in his little container. I have him in a 5 gallon aquarium, the water is conditioned and is filtered. the tank is heated to about 78-80 degrees. He is presently not eating, an it has not been just over a week. He will not eat pellets or freeze dried blood worms. I have not tried the peas, or soaking the others in garlic juice as he will not go near any food. Up until today he was swimming around, but now settles at the bottom and tries to hide, rarely surfacing for air. I became concerned that he might be dying, though I understand they can go for quite some time without eating. There are no physical signs of sickness. He now does not flare his fins and doesn't get react to his reflection. I have noticed that the filter does create a bit of a current in the tank.

As I was concerned he was not getting enough oxygen, I was able to get him into his original cup which is now floating in the tank. this has seemed to allow him better access to the surface for air which he does more frequently now. However, I am still greatly concerned as he is clearly not happy and not eating. Any advice on what the problem may be and what I should do? Strangely enough he is looking a bit better in the cup than he did sitting at the bottom of the tank (he now at least floats or swims and comes up for air). Should I try turning off the filter and releasing him in the tank as the current may be too strong?

[Rain Drop]

Turning off the filter would be a good idea. Or you can slow down the current with some panty hose or a bottle. There are some do it yourself threads around here about it. If you're also going to put him back in the tank, try lowering the water level so he doesn't have to struggle so much to get air.
When I got Kovu, for the first week and a half, he wouldn't eat either. He would also struggle to get air. But he eventually got over it.....maybe you're fish is a picky eater? Just incase though, bettas can live up to four weeks without food. It is normal for new bettas not to eat at first though and even act strange. Just keep checking on him though incase any other symptoms pop up or if this lasts for awhile longer.

[Rain Drop]

Oh, and not flaring is not a big issue. Kovu has never flared, not once! He`s just shy and gentle like that c:

[ChristinaRoss]

i agree with raindrop