Seeking Advice for Lethargic Male Betta Fish in Distress

[BettaFishGirl]

Hi! To answer your questions: I got my Betta from Petco, and he was healthy when I first brought him home.

The chain pet stores take.....not great......care of their Bettas and that definitely takes a toll on their lifespan. The fins spitting, as long as they aren't getting worse, might be another sign of old age. Just a couple days ago I had a rescue Betta that wouldn't eat flakes or pellets, not even bloodworms. I tried frozen thawed adult brine shrimp, and he ate it right away! Don't feed it every day to them as they are only a treat (it would be like eating 3 donuts everyday) but they have a lot of protein in them and Betta fish love them. You can get them at any pet store, they are only around 5 bucks.

 

[smoosh]

The chain pet stores take.....not great......care of their Bettas and that definitely takes a toll on their lifespan. The fins spitting, as long as they aren't getting worse, might be another sign of old age. Just a couple days ago I had a rescue Betta that wouldn't eat flakes or pellets, not even bloodworms. I tried frozen thawed adult brine shrimp, and he ate it right away! Don't feed it every day to them as they are only a treat (it would be like eating 3 donuts everyday) but they have a lot of protein in them and Betta fish love them. You can get them at any pet store, they are only around 5 bucks.

From my own research and personal experience, I learned about the poor care provided by chain pet stores, especially with Bettas, as well as other freshwater fish. I upgraded my Betta's tank from a 3-gallon to a more suitable 5.5-gallon one after learning more about their needs, and I noticed a positive change in his behavior since then, until he got his fins split and started laying down. His split fins haven't worsened. Also, I started getting my fish from my LFS to stock my other 75-gallon tank, and the experience has been much more positive compared to chain pet stores I have shopped at, like Petco. I'm really hoping he'll recover soon. I've now ordered Francisco Bay Brand Freeze-Dried Brine Shrimp from Amazon, and I'll be sure not to overfeed him. I'm hopeful that these changes, along with proper care, will greatly improve his well-being. Thank you for your help!

 

[BettaFishGirl]

I've now ordered Francisco Bay Brand Freeze-Dried Brine Shrimp from Amazon

I've never heard of freeze dried brine shrimp, but I'd imagine they'd be harder to eat because they might be harder. Maybe get some frozen ones too?? They are at any LFS or chian let store, and they cost 5 bucks for 20 large cubes. He might like the frozen ones better, but the freeze dried ones would probably suffice.

 

[Colin_T]

Don't waste your time with freeze dried fish foods. Most fish ignore them. Frozen foods are taken much more readily.