How can I get my Siamese Fighting fish to eat??

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pitufo

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Jul 5, 2004
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Hi, I just added a Betta and another Rainbow Fish to my tank. But the Fighting fish never seems to notice when it's feeding time. I had this problem before with another one but he would eat bloodworms if one happened to float in front of his face. Is there a technique to making sure that Siamese fighting fish get fed in a community tank? Thanks, my tank specs are as follows:

33 Gal. tank
2 Bala sharks
7 Zebra Danios
2 Siamese flying foxes
1 Otocinclus
3 Angelfish
4 Rainbow fish
3 Japonica shrimp
1 Siamese Fighting fish.

They all get along great. Except for two of the Angels who fight for territory.

thanks.
 
First of all, I was told that Angels and Bettas should not be in the same tank cause they have the long fins and both can be aggresive. Maybe since the Angels were there first the Betta is feeling a bit timid (although doubt it due to its name, Siamise Fighting Fish).

I know when I first got my betta it took awhile for him to see where the food was until he discovered that when I came by it was feeding time and there is no doubt he knows where the food is now. In fact when I feed him I have to distract him w/a few flakes (really all he needs each day to make sure he doesn't get to fat, they will eat everything they see) in the top front of the tank and then sneak in the back to put flakes under the water so he doesn't notice so the cories can eat too!

How long have you had him? It took mine at least a few days. Also it took him a few days to get used to the movement on the water that the filter made. He is used to it now.

Anyway I hope this helps! Anyone else w/advice?
Happy fish!!
 
I've been told not to mix Bettas and Angels too but both times I've tried it there have been no problems. Except when I first put the Betta into the tank and the angels and other fish mistake his fins for bloodworms.... But the situation is always resolved quickly when the betta flares his gills... And then there's no more problems. I have friendly fish in my tank. As for your experience with feeding, I didn't see that behaviour with my last betta, and I don't see it now, even when he (my first one) was accustomed to the tank. As I said, he only would eat bloodworms and then only when one happened to float by his mouth. My current betta, as well as the last one, just hangs around a part of the tank and seems quite despondent to feeding times.

Mabye reviewing my tank list would help.... I dunno... But I usually have fed the rest of my fish pellets and only on occasion bloodworms. The last betta I had never went for the pellets.
 
Those crazy Betta personalities! Isn't it crazy that so many act so different?
Mine took the pellets in his mouth and spit them directly out. Tried for several days too. Just particular, I guess. He just eats the flakes.

Sorry not much help in the feeding arena.
Take care
 
my betta was unhappy in a community 25g setup. I put him into a bowl and he seems alot happier. You could do that if there is a problem with him eating. They don't seem to be made for communities, altho some do ok.
Each is individual I guess.

Every newbie makes mistakes, long as you learn from it. I blame alot of the stores too that don't tell us when we buy.
 
Thanks I suppose that's pretty good advice. The store(s) that I've bought bettas from have discouraged me from putting a betta in a community tank. But they always sighted community issues, like fighting, not eating. Both my bettas never had a problem getting along with the other fish in the tank. They actually seem to acclimatise quickly. But perhaps you're right. Mabye he should be kept in a bowl. The only thing left I think that I have to try is making him a cave. I read somewhere that bettas need caves to hide in and build their bubble nests. Thanks I will let you all know how it goes.
P.S. tonight I tried catching him in a net and holding it up to the surface and dropping a cube of bloodworms to show him the food but he only ate one and seemingly lost interest.... Mabye they only go for live food??!??
 
I feed mine guppy bites and frozen blood worms, he eats them just fine. They really do seem to be very different individually, i've never heard of two acting the same so I don't think you'll find someone with your exact problem
 
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