Top 10 Signs Your Tetra fish is Underfed

Tetra fish are popular aquarium pets that give off vivid colours and vibrant personal traits; however, no fish differs from any other in terms of proper feeding. It requires good care and attention to their diet. Underfeeding their fish is probably the most frequent problem faced by a lot of people, causing multiple health conditions for Tetra. In this blog, we will discuss the top 10 signs your Tetra fish might be underfed and how to ensure they get proper nutrition.

1) Constantly Swimming to the Surface:

If Tetra fish swim all day to the surface of the aquarium, it can be a sign that the fish are hungry. Normally, Tetras prefer to swim within mid-depth or lower regions of the tank, but underfed fish are usually seen swimming in the top layer in search of food. This could mean your Tetra fish are not getting enough food to sustain them.

2) Increased Aggression to Other Fish: 

Underfed Tetra fish are known to be more aggressive with other fish, especially during feeding time. If your Tetra fish become territorial or start nipping at others, it likely means they are starving, a situation that makes them nervous and irritable.

3) Weight Loss and Visible Skin Problems: 

A healthy Tetra fish should be plump and have smooth and shiny skin. The Tetra fish would lose weight and have visible skin problems like patches or dull colourations if they are underfed. This is a signal that their diet lacks the necessary nutrients.

4) Lack of Energy: 

Tetras are known for their active swimming and playful nature. If your Tetra fish seem lethargic, always hiding, or swimming slowly, it might be a sign that they are not getting enough food to keep them going.

5) Reduced Appetite: Curiously enough, underfed Tetra may even lose appetite. Whenever the fish are kept hungry consistently, they may even lose interest in the food being offered, since they are not accustomed to a set feeding schedule or are stressed due to starvation.

6) Dull colouration: One of the most telling signs of an underfed Tetra fish is when it lacks vibrant colour. Tetras are renowned for their beautiful colours, and when they are underfed, their hues become dull. A diet of proper food, high-protein Tetra fish food, can restore this natural beauty.

7) Slow Growth: Tetra fish that do not gain weight according to the normal weight gain rate might be underfed. Like any fish species, Tetra fish need proper nutrition to grow and develop. Underfeeding can lead to stunted growth and developmental delay.

8) Hiding More Than Usual: Tetra fish are generally social creatures that love to swim around and play with other tank mates. So, if you find your Tetra fish hide a lot more than usual, then it could be a sign of underfeeding as the Tetra fish become stressed or weak due to lack of food.

9) Flaky or faded scales: A healthy Tetra will have shiny, intact scales. If your Tetra is underfed, you are likely to see that their scales become flaky or that they have faded colour. That means they are not receiving the apt nutrients from their food for maintaining proper skin and scales.

10) Weak Immune System: Proper nutrition is important for the immune system of your Tetra fish. When underfed, Tetra fish are more susceptible to infections and diseases. If your Tetra fish appear to be ill more often or cannot recover from health problems, it may be a sign that their immune system is weak because of the lack of proper food.

How do I tell if my fish are underfed?

It is crucial to ensure your Tetra fish are feeding well and getting the required nutrients to prosper. Feeding them consistently with good-quality Tetra fish food will help prevent underfeeding and keep your fish healthy, active, and vibrant. If you notice any of the signs listed above, it must be addressed by regulating their feeding routine and, consequently, their nutrition.

By keeping an eye on the health of your Tetra fish while providing a well-balanced diet, they can live a healthy, long life full of colour and energy. 

Feed them right, and your Tetra fish will thank you with their beautiful, lively presence in your aquarium!

At Intan, we are here to provide you with premium fish feed. Our feed is tailored to meet the specific needs of each species. Every feed can spark positive change and create a future promoting quality, resilience, and well-being. We aim to serve the needs of hobbyists and breeders for the best quality of each species’ unique requirements. To know more about us, check out our Instagram page or find us at our nearest out spot.