Exact Answer: Up To Two Weeks
Betta fish falls under the category of freshwater fishes and is one of the 73 genus Betta species. Betta fish is predominantly found in Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Cambodia, and various other parts of the world. Betta fish is very vibrant in terms of color and is widely used as an aquarium fish globally.
Summary
Betta fish have large and flowy fins and has a very aggressive nature. They are also referred to as the designer fish of the aquatic world. It belongs to the Osphronemidae family, and its binomial name is Betta Splendens. Betta fish is commonly referred to as Siamese fighting fish.
How Long Can A Betta Fish Go Without Food?
Betta fishes are highly territorial, and they tend to attack other betta fish if they are kept in the same tank. Such a fight mainly results in the death of either of the two fish. Betta fishes can tolerate low oxygen levels and poor water quality up to a very significant level. Betta fish is also the national aquatic animal of Thailand. Thailand is also an exporter of the Betta Fish in the global aquarium market.
Betta fish is a vulnerable species; therefore, it is essential to protect it from becoming endangered. A Betta fish’s length varies in a range of two and a half inches to three inches. The color combination of a Betta fish is primarily green, brown, and grey. When provided with healthy food regularly, a Betta fish live for three to five years, but a few fishes survive for around eight years. Sometimes Betta fish with a rare color of super orange, lavender, or grizzle is also found in some parts of the world.
| Type Of Betta Fish | Days Without Food |
| Baby Betta Fish | Five to six days |
| Adult Betta Fish | Up to two weeks |
Betta fish are carnivores and have upturned mouths. The diet of a Betta fish consists of Dried Blood Worms, Brine shrimp, and Daphnia. Baby Betta fish can survive for up to six days as they don’t have much reserve food. At the same time, an adult Betta fish can survive up to two weeks without any food.
Why Can A Betta Fish Go Without Food For That Long?
Betta fish stores a lot of food as a reserve and can survive without food for quite along. As it is used as an aquarium fish, it is impossible to carry it anywhere. When Betta fish is stopped getting feed, it starts utilizing the food in reserve and survives on it for a few more days. However, if you’re going out for a vacation, it is best to feed the fish just before leaving as it won’t be possible for the fish to survive without food for so long, and it might starve.
Starvation might increase stress levels and multiple organ failures, which can lead to death. If in any scenario, the owner of the fish won’t be returning for a long time, then it is advised to ask a friend or relative to watch over the diet of the fish. But the owner must explain the diest of the fish as Betta fish is particular to what it eats. Animal care organizations recommend never to leave extra food as it may result in polluting the water of the aquarium or overfeeding.
Different Betta fish have different metabolisms, and not all of them might survive for that long. Remember to keep the aquarium water temperature in the tropical range as too hot or too cold water is not suitable for Betta fish to survive. The ideal temperature range for a Betta fish is 76-81 degrees Fahrenheit.
Conclusion
Betta fish is one of the most widely used aquaria fish around the world. They are beautiful and have vibrant color combinations. They are very dominating in nature and are highly territorial. Their average lifetime is up to five years. It is advised to keep the Betta Fish at a Tropical water temperature.
On average, an adult Betta fish can survive up to two weeks without any food. Baby Betta fish is generally weaker and can go five days without food. If the owner cannot feed the fish on time, then the fish must be left under the care of a person who can provide food to the fish on time, and no food for a long time can lead the fish to starvation.
References
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1050464820301169
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0066185668800019
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