Why Is My Fish Spitting Out The Food?

Why is my fish spitting out the food? In this article, we will list some of the reasons that may be causing this problem.

Fish can put food in their mouths and spit out for a number of reasons. The simplest answer is that your fish may not be accepting the feed, simply because they don’t like it. Remember, you wouldn’t want to eat the same food every day, so they may also like to have a variety in their diet. Below, we will list some reasons that may be causing this problem with your fish.

Food Type

Most fish are not demanding eaters and devour any type of food you offer them.

However, a fish can spit out the feed if it doesn’t like it. Try a different type of feed. There are several types on the market, such as flakes, pellets and freeze-dried. Above all, a variation in diet is the key to keeping fish healthy.

Mouth Problems

Many fish like to nibble on the aquarium substrate and suck up algae that may be stuck to it.

See also:

• Why do my fish stay on the surface of the fish tank?

In some cases, these little pebbles of the substrate may get stuck in the fish’s mouth and he may not be able to spit it out. In that case, eating can become a very difficult task. Goldfish, for example, as they have the largest mouths, are the champions in this regard, however, we do not recommend that you perform the removal of the stone on your own, but that you do it with a trusted veterinarian.

Branchial problems

Fish need to flex their gills while eating. Various branchial parasites can hinder this movement and it will spit out food.

In addition, some external signs, such as a slimy layer or spots, can be signs of parasites on the animal’s body. Examine your fish carefully to determine if treatment is necessary.

Infections or diseases

Lethargic or slow-swimming fish may be spitting out food as they are too tired to eat. Examine the aquarium and see if it is the only fish that is not eating or if several others also have the same symptoms, as it may be necessary to separate it in a quarantine tank.

Water quality / Stress

When a fish is under stress, it can eat less than normal. Stress occurs if other fish are chasing you all the time. This also occurs if the water conditions are not favorable to the animal’s good health. Check that the filter and pump are clean and functioning properly.

Clean the aquarium and the gravel and make a partial water change to remove excess ammonia. In addition, perform tests in the water to check the levels of Nitrate, Nitrite and what are the pH values.

Adjusting these levels and making weekly water changes, as well as keeping the pumps and filters clean, will help your fish to stay healthy and consequently will not have difficulties when feeding.

What is your experience with this? Do you have any other tips on why the fish are spitting out food?