Well, I think I finally solved Georges' problem. In case I've failed to announce it, I've got two new Betta fish: Georges and Fernando. I put them in separate aquariums (because they're territorial fish and would tear each other apart if they were together). Georges stayed in the living room and Fernando went on the shelf by my bed.

Fernando settled in nicely and developed a voracious appetite. Georges stopped eating the bio gold pellets. I finally got a brain wave and got out the new packet of bio gold and Georges was more interested in that (the other packet of food had been a play toy of Simon's...evidently Georges didn't appreciate the smell of cat on his fishie kibble...even though it didn't bother Fernando in the least).

Then, I read that male Bettas like to have their aquariums near each other so they can see each other. Even though they puff out and challenge each other to fights, they like the company. So I brought Fernando's tank out and set it next to Georges'...and they couldn't be happier! They puff out at each other all the time, but Georges has his appetite back, big time!

Funny how little things like that make such a difference.