Severely Emaciated Betta

Hello, so our local fish store got in a Dumbo Betta. He was in the store for a month or so when they noticed he looked dead. To their surprise he was not but is severely emaciated. They asked me if I wanted to try and save him. Well I’m a sucker for a fish in need and Prince is now home safe. Now for the hard part. How do I help him gain weight? Recommend foods? Any tips or advice are much appreciated he is still lively and eats good so I am hoping he recovers.

 

I'd go with a 50/50 mix of HikarI bloodworms and the highest fat betta food you can find.

 

Yay for saving him!!! I wish my pet store would ask me to take in fish...but my husband might have something to say about that!

 

Yay for saving him!!! I wish my pet store would ask me to take in fish...but my husband might have something to say about that!

My boyfriend was at the store and the guy asked him if I wanted a project. lol. Next thing I know he calls me and says he is bringing home a sick Betta. He told me only 1. Then said fine on 3 in a divided tank. Then I snuck a 4th and he brought home the 5th (Prince). Now I just have to figure out how to help the little guy.

 

I'd go with a 50/50 mix of HikarI bloodworms and the highest fat betta food you can find.

I've heard blood works are actually bad for bettas and should only be given once in awhile. Is that because of the high fat content? I was told they get constipated.

 

I've heard blood works are actually bad for bettas and should only be given once in awhile. Is that because of the high fat content? I was told they get constipated.

I've never had any issues with freeze-dried bloodworms with my guys. In fact, they get them mixed in with their pellets, and if they're breeding, they get just bloodworms with a couple nutrish pellets.
Bloodworms are high in protein, expecially the HikarI ones. I've found that protein is one of the most important nutrients for a betta. Fat content is just to help him bulk up. You might want to slowly get him used to the bloodworms, though so that he isn't shocked by the protein.
If he does get constipated, then you can just feed him a deshelled pea, but I've never had to do that with any of my bettas.

 

For fat content, I'd recommend these pellets: , but they are a bit pricey.