How long can betta fish survive without food
What If Your Betta Fish Won’t Eat?
If your betta fish won’t eat or seems completely uninterested in food don’t worry. A lack of appetite may mean that they are not hungry or have recently undergone some type of stress (e.g. tank cleaning, new home, abrupt water temperature changes). Again, don’t worry about a couple days because bettas can survive up to 14 days without food.
Cold water that is outside of the recommended range of 76-81 degrees Fahrenheit may also cause your betta to act lethargic and will slow their metabolism. A lower metabolism means they will need fewer feedings. As betta fish get older they will also be less active and may eat less frequently, this is normal.
If your betta isn’t eating it may also be a sign of illness. Just like when we are sick, betta fish also won’t have big appetites while they are ill. Make sure to monitor for signs of illness and disease, and initiate the proper treatments as soon as possible.
Once a betta recovers, their appetite will also begin to come back too. As mentioned above bettas can be picky too. If you notice your betta fish spitting out his or her food, or turns away from it, you may need to try a different kind or brand.