Is my betta fish underweight

[Clack]

I've had my betta for a week now and I'm a bit concerned he might be underweight. He's been getting 4 or 5 Hikari Betta Bio Gold pellets most days - it's what he came with so I haven't switched foods yet. I've also given him some bloodworms as a treat once, and we do a fasting day each week. I'm trying not to overfeed, I know bettas are masters at begging and looking hungry even when they're not. He was even begging when I tried to take this picture...

[aquamar]

Your betta's stunning, and I have a soft spot for that color too. Looking at the picture, I can see why you'd think he's a bit skinny. Given he's finishing all his food, I'd say he's getting enough, if not a bit too much. I'd cut back to 2 or 3 pellets, spaced out throughout the day, and consider that a full diet. If you had live food in the tank for him to forage, I'd limit it to 2 pellets every other day. Adding some meaty treats to his routine could help him fill out a bit more.

[Clack]

Your betta's stunning, and I have a soft spot for that color too. Looking at the picture, I can see why you'd think he's a bit skinny. Given he's finishing all his food, I'd say he's getting enough, if not a bit too much. I'd cut back to 2 or 3 pellets, spaced out throughout the day, and consider that a full diet. If you had live food in the tank for him to forage, I'd limit it to 2 pellets every other day. Adding some meaty treats to his routine could help him fill out a bit more.

I was worried I might be overdoing it with the food, so thanks for the reassurance. I do have a tendency to feel sorry for my pets and think a little extra won't hurt, but I know that's not always the case. He did seem to love the bloodworms, so I'll definitely try those again.

[Nellie]

From what I can see, he does appear to be a bit on the lean side.

[Clack]

From what I can see, he does appear to be a bit on the lean side.

Honestly, I'm still unsure. I've looked at some pictures, and to me, he seems a bit on the lean side, but I'm not entirely convinced.

[Nellie]

I got a baby betta a month ago, thought it was a boy but turns out it's a girl. Now that she's growing, she's getting a bit on the plump side, no matter what I feed her. Her body shape just seems to be naturally more rounded, I think. I've heard males are usually thinner, maybe like the one you have?

[kokomo]

When looking at your betta, it can be tough to gauge if his stomach is full due to those beautiful pectoral fins blocking the view. However, if you notice his lower belly, right behind the operculum, starting to bloat, that's a clear sign of overfeeding - and if it becomes too swollen, it can even indicate constipation.

One early warning sign of overfeeding I've noticed is when the swim bladder starts to protrude slightly. You can actually see it a bit in this picture.

There's also a slight discoloration on his belly, likely due to the neighboring tissues being stretched.

A side view picture of him would give us a better idea of his overall condition.

[Clack]

He's a right handful to photograph from the side, always darting about, but I managed to snap a couple when I first brought him home.

[kokomo]

It's tough to say for sure, but in the first picture, he appears to be a bit bloated in the belly area, although it's possible that his pectoflake fin is giving that impression. To get a better idea, it would be helpful to have a picture like the ones I previously shared. A clean front glass will make a big difference in getting a clear shot, and try to take the picture when he's in profile. If he's moving around too much, try taking multiple pictures in quick succession and then choose the best one.

[Clack]

When looking at your betta, it can be tough to gauge if his stomach is full due to those beautiful pectoral fins blocking the view. However, if you notice his lower belly, right behind the operculum, starting to bloat, that's a clear sign of overfeeding - and if it becomes too swollen, it can even indicate constipation.

One early warning sign of overfeeding I've noticed is when the swim bladder starts to protrude slightly. You can actually see it a bit in this picture.

There's also a slight discoloration on his belly, likely due to the neighboring tissues being stretched.

A side view picture of him would give us a better idea of his overall condition.

I finally managed to capture a video of him, and I'm hoping the link works this time.