New Betta Won't Eat

[Kerrbear]

Just got a brand-new, male Betta in my 5.5 gal, cycled tank. He's been exploring and hiding, which seems normal. When and how should I feed him? My previous Betta was accustomed to hand-feeding, so he was easy. This one, not so much; he doesn't even seem interested in the food. Can they smell the food when you put it in? How do fish know to come to the surface to get food? BTW, I feed with the Hikari Bio-Gold. Edited to add: The tank is heated to 82 degrees, and has a filter (soda bottle baffle) and a small air stone. The test today showed Ammonia, NO2 at 0ppm, and NO3 at less than 5ppm. I usually give defrosted bloodworms every 4 or 5 days as a treat.

 

[Rivercats]

Do you have a heater in the tank? They are tropical fish and too cool of water makes them sluggish.

Sometimes a new fish tanks a couple days to eat. If I'm having trouble with a fish not wanting to eat I use a food like Frozen Brine shrimp which usually works to get them eating.

 

[Kerrbear]

Yes, I keep the tank heated to 82 degrees. Hopefully it's just new tank jitters!

 

[Rivercats]

That's alittle warm. Personally I'd turn it to around 78F. But if you do drop the temp slowly not all at once.

 

[SKB]

id say give him a few days to get comfortable. And I agree with heat, 78 degrees sounds better. if you see any weird behaviors besides not eating, or he doesn't start eating after a few days, let us know!