Fat Betta Fish

Question
Hi, I have had a male betta for about 2 weeks now, I was feeding him the dry flake food, which he did not seem to like at all. After about a week, I bought some of the pellet food, which he seems to love. After some research online today, I think I am feeding him way too much. I noticed his belly is much fatter than a week ago. How much of the pellet food should I feed him a day? He is much more active since switching to the pellets, but he appears to have too much food in his stomach. Again, he is acting fine, but should I hold off on his food for a few days? This is horrible, but I have been feeding him probably 15-20 a day for about 4 days now. I know now that is way too much. What action should I take now?

Thanks

Answer
Hello Holly-

WOW! I can only imagine what your little guy must look like after that much food. Here's what you can do to help bring him back down to a healthy size:

1. - Stop feeding the pellets for about a week.
2. - Feed him half of a skinned pea every other day (you may have to mush it up a little, but try not to get the tank too dirty. The pea will help empty his stomach as fast as possible.)
3. - Heat up the water to about 80 F (to stimulate his metabolism)
4. - After a week without pellets, feed him two per day.
5. - Try to keep him active (use a mirror to stimulate the flare response.)

Hopefully this is useful. If you need any other tips, e-mail me at abworman@purdue.edu

-Amber Worman