In this article, we examine the feeding habits of betta fish to find out how long they can go without food. We also discuss the possible consequences of underfeeding or overfeeding betta fish and give tips on how to properly feed your betta fish.
How long can betta fish go without food ?
Bettas are one of the most popular pets in this hobby. With their bright colors, interesting behaviors and ability to thrive in a variety of conditions, it’s easy to see why. And like all living things, they need food to survive.
Feeding and keeping the fish healthy is one of the biggest responsibilities of a betta fish keeper. But sometimes situations may arise that prevent you from feeding your fish for a longer period of time, for example during a trip or vacation.
How long can a betta fish survive without food?
In the wild, bettas can go for days or even weeks without adequate food. This is because in their natural habitat, food can be scarce and their strong bodies are used to cycles of starvation.
But the aquarium betta is somewhat different. Aquarium bettas are not used to starvation, and depriving them of food for too long can cause significant stress.
But bettas are still generally hardy fish. They can go ten days to two weeks without food and still survive.
However, remember that bettas in this state can be very weakened and more susceptible to disease. If hunger doesn’t kill them, stress or disease will. This is why it is still not a good idea to leave your pet without food for an extended period of time.
What happens when the betta fish runs out of food?
For short periods it can even be beneficial for bettas to go without food. They won’t starve immediately if they don’t eat for a day or two, but their body will process and eliminate the waste products in the body.
For this reason, fasting is often a regular part of the diet for some betta fish, especially if they suffer from bloat or a disease that makes them lethargic. Fasting can be beneficial for bettas if it only lasts a day or two.
But if you go too long without food, your betta will get sick.
As with all living things, food shortages deprive them of nutrients they can use as a source of energy for their bodies. Bettas are weak and lethargic and most likely won’t move much until they die of remission within two weeks of food deprivation.
In addition to lethargy and weakness, they are also likely to suffer from stress. Stress weakens the fish’s immune system, which can then lead to illness.
Tips for keeping your Betta healthy while you’re away
There are a few things you can do to keep your betta healthy while you’re away:
1.Buy an automatic feeder.
2.The biggest obstacle you will face while away is feeding your betta fish regularly.
3.Even though they can survive for long periods without food, that doesn’t mean you should let them voluntarily, especially if you can do something about it.
4.To ensure your beloved bettas are fed, purchase and use an automatic feeder. This device serves small amounts of food at regular intervals and can be set for as long as you like. This means your betta will have something to eat even when you are not there to feed him.
5.Make sure you calibrate the feeder properly to avoid overfeeding
6.Test your feeder
7.Also remember that feeders can overfeed your fish if they are not properly calibrated. So be sure to try them first.
8.Make sure to buy high quality equipment as buying cheap equipment can cause damage in the long run. Cheap feeders break easily and can even empty the entire contents of the tank, contaminating the water and killing your fish.
9.Choose only high quality feeders as they are less likely to break.
> Offer them a varied and high-quality diet :
A varied diet is important for your betta’s health. Therefore, make sure that your food
> Do a partial water change :
Betta fish can survive for some time without food, but they must always have access to clean water. Otherwise, you may end up returning a sick or dying betta, even if you used an automatic feeder.
Be sure to clean and refill your betta’s tank before you leave (at least 50% water change). If you get tap water, use a water conditioner to remove chlorine and other contaminants.
>Check your surroundings again :
Bettas are temperature sensitive and should be kept in a cool, well-ventilated area. If you live in a cold area, make sure the heater is on and maintains a stable temperature.
Also avoid exposing the tank to direct sunlight or near strong heat sources. Excessive sunlight can drastically change the temperature of your aquarium and also promote excessive algae growth.
> Consider getting them a tank buddy :
If you are going to be away for an extended period of time, you may want to think about finding a tank mate for your betta. Although bettas don’t feel as lonely as humans, having a companion in their tank will constantly stimulate them and give them something to do while they can’t see or interact with you.
Just make sure you choose a compatible species, as bettas can be territorial and may not get along with some species of fish.
> Have someone check on your betta :
If you have an automatic feeder, you don’t have to have someone come to your house every day. However, if you are going to be away for an extended period of time (a month or more), it is a good idea to have someone check on your pet at least weekly.
That way they can at least monitor if your pelvis is stable and notify you immediately of any changes. If necessary, you can also add additional food to the feeder or check if it is still working as it should.
> Maintain a regular day/night cycle :
If you have automatic timers, your betta fish should follow a regular day and night cycle, even when you’re not there to enjoy the view.
When keeping fish, it is important to mimic their natural habitat as closely as possible. While you might think of lighting as just a way to help your pets see better, fish rely on it for their internal clock. If they do not have a circadian rhythm for long periods of time, they can become stressed.
A consistent cycle is even more important if you have plants in your aquarium.
Plants require a regular light period for photosynthesis. Going without light for an extended period of time can cause irreparable damage to your plants, and dead plants can contaminate the water in your aquarium.
> Take care of her health before you leave :
During your absence, it will be quite difficult to maintain the health of your fish. Therefore, make sure your child is not sick before you leave home.
Watch your fish a few days before you leave; If they are sick, you want more extensive care, preferably in the hands of another hobbyist. If your beloved pets are healthy, you have nothing to worry about and can continue as planned.
Although what you can do is somewhat limited, at least you can avoid surprises when you return by knowing your pet’s health.
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> Conclusion :
Betta fish can go without food for several days and still be healthy, but it is not advisable to leave them without food for long periods of time.
To keep your betta healthy and well-fed, it is important to give him a varied diet and give him small, regular meals. Even if you are not there, there are many things you can do to keep your betta fed and healthy while you are not there to personally care for him.
