Why is my betta spitting food out? This is a great question to ask, and if you’re asking it then you know that the answer isn’t obvious. There are many things that could be causing your betta to spit food out of its mouth. In this blog post, we will discuss what might cause a fish to spit food out and what you can do about it.
Why Is My Betta Spitting Food Out?
The most likely reason for a betta to be spitting food out is due to the food being too large to consume. When a betta tries to eat a large piece of food, it can be difficult for the fish to get the food into its mouth. This can cause the fish to spit the food out in order to avoid choking.
You see, betta fish have a small stomach that is only about the size of their eyeball. This means that they can only eat a small amount of food at one time. If you are feeding your betta fish large pieces of food, then it is no wonder why the fish is spitting the food out!
The betta fish may even be nibbling off small pieces of food as it goes into its mouth and out again. This is a technique betta fish use when dealing with pieces of food that are too large or hard.
Here are a few other potential reasons for a betta fish to be spitting food out:
Digestive Issues
If you have recently fed your betta fish, then it may be suffering from a digestive issue. This is because the food in its stomach cannot digest properly and it needs to get rid of this now poorly digested food by spitting out what’s left into the water.
To treat constipation in betta fish, you should wait a day or two for your betta to pass the food. You should then feed your betta with daphnia or bloodworms. These foods can help your betta get its digestive system back on track.
Your Betta Is Inexperienced
If your betta fish is a young one or an adult that has not yet eaten live food before, then it may be confused about what to do when presented with that type of food.
Betta fish are used to eating pellets and flakes, so they aren’t prepared for the movement of live foods, such as worms. If you think this is the case, then you should try feeding your betta with food that is dead and doesn’t move.
Parasites
If your betta fish is spitting food out, then it may be infected with a parasite. Betta fish are particularly susceptible to worms and other parasites that can affect their digestive system.
You should treat this by purchasing medicine from a pet store or using a quarantine tank to treat the sick fish.
Fussy Eaters
Some betta fish can be very fussy eaters. They may only want to eat a certain type of food or they may only like to eat food that is freshly prepared.
If you are having trouble getting your betta to eat, then you should try different types of food until you find one that the fish likes. You can also try soaking the food in water before you feed it to your betta. This will make the food softer and more palatable for the fish.
I’ve found that not many bettas can resist live bloodworm that has been soaked in water. If your fish refuses to eat bloodworm, then you may want to try live daphnia instead.
What Can I Do About It?
If you are noticing that your betta fish is spitting food out, then you should try to break the food into smaller pieces. Doing this will work in the majority of cases.
This can be done by either chopping the food up with a knife or grinding it in a food processor. You can also try feeding your betta fish live foods, such as bloodworms, which are small enough to fit into the fish’s mouth.
You may also have to try different types of food until you find one that your betta fish likes. If a particular type of food is causing too much spitting, then it may be time to switch to another brand altogether.
Conclusion
In conclusion, betta fish are not built to eat large pieces of food. If you want your betta fish to be healthy, then it is best that you do what’s right for the species and feed them small pellets or live foods that can easily fit in their mouths.
If your betta does spit out its food, try cutting up the food more and make sure that it is small enough for the fish to eat. This will help your betta feel more comfortable and not as nervous when eating.
If you are still having trouble getting your betta to stop spitting food out, then try switching from pellets or flakes to live foods like bloodworms. Live daphnia can also be a good choice for fussy eaters. And, as always, if you think your betta fish may be infected with a parasite, take it to the vet for treatment.
I hope this article has helped you understand why your betta fish is spitting food out and what you can do about it. Thanks for reading!
