My Betta Doesn't Seem To Like His Bowl

[Rope55]

I just moved my betta into a larger, 2.5 gallon bowl, and while he swims around a lot and is very active, he's not eating at all since the move (little less than 2 days ago). Also his swimming seems normal except sometimes he starts acting a little frenetic almost like he's trying to escape through the glass. Plus, now he spend a lot more time staring at me. Is he sending me a message that he hates his new bowl? Should I switch him back to his old digs, or is this normal and I should just wait it out? Thanks!

 

[gurnie]

he might be bored, do you have any decorations or caves for him to explore?

 

[MermaidMel]

I found this when I got Jai, had him in a 1g whilst I set up a 3.3g and he hated the 3.3g so I moved him to a 1.5 and he is much happier in there

 

[Rope55]

Yeah, he has two (fake) plants in there, and marbles at the bottom to rest on, which he always liked before. His last bowl was quite small, not even 1 gallon, so it is quite an adjustment, as he was in the last bowl for almost 1 year! I thought he'd like more space, but perhaps I was wrong!

 

[afishdude]

he is probably just adjusting to his new home, give it a week and he should perk up.

 

[MermaidMel]

Yeah, he has two (fake) plants in there, and marbles at the bottom to rest on, which he always liked before. His last bowl was quite small, not even 1 gallon, so it is quite an adjustment, as he was in the last bowl for almost 1 year! I thought he'd like more space, but perhaps I was wrong!

I liken this situation to being in prison, it takes time to adjust after you've been 'inside' and some people adjust well after a few days and love their freedom, others hate the exposure and insecurity and wanna commit a crime to go back in!!!

Also, take into consideration that bettas bred in captivity will have only ever known a small space and if they are accustomed to that they might prefer it forever.

I think, if after a few more days he is still unsettled and unhappy, move him back there - he's been happy there for a year after all.

Until a few days ago I wouldn't have been able to answer this at all! Now I know for sure that all 3 of my bettas have noticeably different preferences and I adjust to their needs as such.

 

[devon_charm]

Mels advice is spot on, getting quite the expert lol

 

[MermaidMel]

Mels advice is spot on, getting quite the expert lol

PMSL getting all cocky now aren't I!