anorexic fish?

[Jed]

Hi there,

I am a new Betta owner, going on about a week now. My Betta eats very rarely! Only 1-2 of those stinky Betta kibbles per day. Is this normal? Some of what I've read said they should eat 4-5 per day.

He is in a basic goldfish bowl ~1 gallon in size, with gravel and two fake plants. There is no heater and sometimes overnight the bowl gets down to 64 degrees, although when I'm home and have a light on it it is usually around 72.

Also he doe not blow bubbles. Otherwise he does seem healthy and active however.

Is he starving? Too cold? Please advise

[amanichen]

Too cold? Please advise

You got it =)

Basically, a tropical fish's metabolic rate is based on the temperature of the water it lives in, and your betta could use a long vacation in a warmer climate. You might want to consider getting a one or two gallon tank with a Junior Heater from Wal Mart, or try keeping the bowl in a warmer part of your dwelling.

Some people have also used seeding mats and low-power coffee mug warmers.