is in a fresh water tank with about 16 other small freshwater fish (no other Betta's of course). Everything is fine with all of the fish and the water is fine . Today I noticed that he wasn't swimming around much like he usually does .. and didn't come up for food. He finally came out , but he is now swimming with his body at a slight diaginal slate .. with his head pointed downwards. He seems able to swim through the water .. but off balance. Any chance that this will clear up ? Or is he on his way out ? Thank you !
2006-09-26 14:15:01 · 8 answers · asked by tysavage2001 6 in Pets ➔ Fish
Swimbladder is a disease which symptoms cause fish to become unable to swim correctly, your fish may exibit swimming toward the bottom of your tank or bowl, then floating back up, swimming in circles or laying or floating on his side....
There are three main things according to the posts and articles I've read that can lead to swimbladder disease.
Constipation due to overfeeding
Bad water quality
Bacteria
I recommend the following regimine, recommened to me over two years ago.
First, as soon as you notice signs of swimbladder do a 50% water change, taking care not to stress the fish by having the water temp as close to his tank as possible.
After your water change you should not feed your fish any food for two days. On the third day feed your fish a fresh pea. Frozen peas thawed, popped out of the skin, and cut into bite size pieces. And then do another water change so that any uneaten peas do not contaminate your water.
If you don't use aquarium salt this is a good addition to most tanks. The recommended dose is one teaspoon per gallon, or one tablespoon per five gallons. If you have never added salt and you are unsure; you may want to first acclimate him at only 1/2 tsp per gallon
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2006-09-26 15:52:29 · answer #1 · answered by iceni 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would suggest you keep a close eye on the rest of the fish. Try various food to get him to eat. You might want to try treating the tank with antibiotics. My betta has almost recovered from a bout with blood septicemia. He ate today for the first time in almost two weeks. So they can go a while without food. He swam sideways if he even swam at all. He layed on the bottom of his tank of floated motionless at the top. He had no appetite. He never flared anymore and had no interest in anything. He got more and more pale. His fins began to clump and detoriate as well. I treated him with tetracycline and I have just started the second course. He finally got his appetite back and is starting to a little energy as well. He swims a little even though it is a little sideways. Whatever you do don't give up hope on your little fish. They are like dogs; they sense when they are cared for and flourish. Treat him and baby him. Antibiotics and TLC and he will hopefully be good as new. Or it could be old age but that is much more gradual and not a sudden onset type. Treat him and he'll love you for it.
2006-09-26 23:08:19 · answer #2 · answered by Charis 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He might have Swim Bladder Disease. Take a look on this site under this exact topic. http://www.fishpalace.org/Disease.html
Swim Bladder Disease
Cause: When the betta bladder is injured from fighting, during shipping, or excessive feeding.
Symptoms: Abnormal swimming pattern such as swimming and floating sideways with difficulty keeping balance.
Treatment: Feed the betta sparingly for several days and most often the betta will recover on its own.
2006-09-27 06:51:26 · answer #3 · answered by Cichlid 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is an internal bacterial infection which he either came with or caught in your tank due to poor water conditions.
Do an immediate water change on the entire tank. If you can, isolate the betta and treat him with an anti-internal bacteria medicine. These can be bought at any pet shop for around £3.00-4.00. Treat for at least 5 days and do daily water changes on his 'hospital' tank. You can also add aquarium salt to help boost his electrolytes.
2006-09-26 23:52:07 · answer #4 · answered by Dark Angel Rogue 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had 3 bettas and that same thing happened to 2 of them. Im sorry to be the bearer of bad news but Im afraid your little fish is on his way out. Nether one of my fish survived. I would go talk to a pet store, and see if they have any suggestions.
2006-09-26 21:20:50 · answer #5 · answered by moohopala 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hey girl...I suggest that you go to a pet store or fish store and talk to a professional...you know that you don't want to go trying remedies and stuff and something bad happens, you're already trying to fix the problem. Don't worry...you're Betta will be okay, I know I've been having one about a year now and been through alot. I suggest you go and talk to someone and get medication. Good luck,"k".
2006-09-27 00:21:45 · answer #6 · answered by Ms. Shell 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He might just have some gas, or swim bladder disease. I would suggest calling the petstore from which you got it and describe the situation to them, they may be able to help you more.
2006-09-26 21:23:55 · answer #7 · answered by cutie pie 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sure sounds like swim bladder disease.
2006-09-26 23:53:56 · answer #8 · answered by twistedmouse 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋