Here are the common reasons why betta fish spit out their food and the corresponding solutions:
1. Overfeeding
Cause: Betta fish do not have a sense of satiety, so overfeeding can easily lead to indigestion.
Solution: Feed your betta once a day, with 2-3 pellets of fish food (or live bait) each time. It is best if the food is eaten within 5 minutes.
2. Unpalatable Food
Cause: The food may have overly large or hard pellets, or it may be spoiled.
Solution: Switch to smaller-pellet fish food (e.g., crushed pellets) or live bait (e.g., brine shrimp), and ensure the food is fresh.
3. Health Issues
Enteritis/Infection: If accompanied by white feces and bloating, stop feeding for 1-2 days and give the fish a medicated bath with oxytetracycline (1 tablet per 10 liters of water) for 3 days.
Oral Problems: If the fish frequently rubs against the tank or refuses to eat, isolate it and check for injuries or infections in its mouth.
4. Unsuitable Environment
Abnormal Water Temperature: Maintain the water temperature between 24-28℃ and avoid sudden temperature changes.
New Fish Stress: When introducing a new betta to the tank, let it acclimate quietly for 3 days before feeding it a small amount of food.
5. Other Causes
Breeding Season: Male bettas may spit out food while building nests, which is a normal behavior.
Poor Water Quality: Change 1/3 of the tank water once a week to keep the water clean.
Tip: If the betta continues to spit out food and shows poor condition (e.g., staying at the bottom of the tank, refusing to eat), targeted treatment is needed or you should consult experienced betta keepers.