Beta Change in Behavior an dNot Eating

Question
Hello,

I am very concerned for my Beta. I have owned at least 6 Betas in the past and had them live as long as 3 years. My most recent was purchased in October 2008 and is kept in the same bowl (1/2 gallon) as any of my others. There are marbles in the bottom and a small porcelain pagoda for him to hide in. I keep a small live plant in the bowl which I swap out every month for a new one. He used to be very friendly and would swim up to greet me when I made kissing noises near his bowl. He would always start eating as soon as I sprinkled his freeze-dried blood worms - twice a day. The past couple of weeks he has become listless and gets very agitated when I come near the bowl - the only time he will dart around - to get away from me. He will not eat and I have to change the bowl every 3-4 days because the water gets dirty from him not eating. I have not changed anything else to spark this behavior change. I am worried since he is not eating - he looks normal otherwise.

Any ideas?

Answer
Hello Tracy,
Bettas should be kept in bigger tanks.  In their habitat the bettas may live in shallow waters, but have lots of room to swim.  The Betta is one of the most mistreated fish on the market.  He should have a 5 gallon tank or more.  He is a tropical fish, and should be kept in 78-80-82 degree water.  He should be fed 2 - 3 small meals a day, as his tummy is the size of his eye, and he should have a good diet.  Betta Pellets one day, Betta flakes the next, daphnia the next, bloodworms the next, and a frozen cooked pea once a week. (Cook the pea, remove the outer layer, and cut it into small pieces) On the day he has the pea, he should have nothing else.  This is to clean out his system, and keep him from getting Swim Bladder Disease.  2 pellets for one meal is enough.  Feeding him Bloodworms all the time is not good for him, he should have bloodworms once a week.
Bettas kept in small containers, bowls, and vases are living miserable, unhappy lives.  The vendors will tell you that it's okay to do so, but they know very well that this is a lie.  They are only interested in making a buck, and they sure do with Bettas.  In small containers, the betta will get sick, pills are bought to cure him, and eventually the betta dies.  When a betta is kept in good conditions he may live up to 7- 8 years when bought young.  In these small bowls that they sell for bettas, his life is cut short.  I breed them, love them, and know what is best for them.  Your betta is having a reaction to his  living quarters.  He may be wild caught...if so, he will be sad in his 1/2 gallon tank.  
I know this is not your fault, as I know how attached we are to our Bettas, but blame the people selling them for not telling the truth on these fish.
Bettas that do not eat are sick, or something is bothering him in his tank.  Seeing as he has no other symptom it is hard for me to say what is wrong with him.  It will surely show up soon.  
His water should always be changed completely twice a week to avoid ammonia, and always the same temperature.  
For now, try feeding him the pea, has he might be constipated.  Constipation leads to Swim Bladder Disease.
I hope this will help, and that the little man will be back to normal soon.
If you have more questions, please do not hesitate to write me.
Have a nice day.
Lynda