Hungry Betta

We recently adopted a Betta fish from a friend – we know very little about fish care. He came in a small tank - less than 1 gallon, without any interior items. After reading about Betta’s on line, we placed him in a 5 gallon tank with a heater and filter and filled it with spring water. We placed colored glass stones at the bottom and installed several live plants. He seems rather pleased with his new surroundings, making “bubble nests” according to our local pet store. We have however discovered he is now very hungry compared to before. We provide “HCH Betta Bites” for his food. We have been advised to give him 2-3 once a day as this is supposed to be adequate. Our fish, however, does not seem to have an off button regarding food since moving him to his new tank. Recently I feed him 5 pieces in the morning and he gobbled them up. Out of concern I might over feed him, I stopped. In the evening, I gave him 4 more and again he ate them very quickly. After a week of this, I’m posting this note for advise. Would like to know how much is too much food per day? I’ve also heard some species of fish grow in larger tanks – do you think he is eating more because of this phenomenon? Thank you in advance.

he is probilly full grown and his eatting habits seem normal. bettas can eat a lot but you sould read the back to see what the food says. if bettas eat to much they will get a swim bladder problem and later on die in time. i breed bettas and i feed them like 5+ worm things of died blood worms each day but thats over feeding them probilly for a alone betta thats not breeding. when my bettas are not breeding i fed them like 5+ worm things everyother day.

i hope this helps....sorry i dont use the same food so i dont really know how much to fed him

Welcome to our forum.

If an aquarium fish is not hungry, it's not healthy, so the Betta is probably in good shape. Lots of people keep them in small, stagnant bowls, which do not provide a healthy or stimulating environment. Your five gallon aquarium sounds like a good environment for the Betta. Just be sure to avoid over feeding; a small aquarium can turn bad very quickly. Post a picture if you can.

Betta fish naturally eat in excess when food is available, it's instinct. but, be careful not to feed him too much, a betta's stomach is about the size of his eye.