Sick betta?

Question

I've had my betta for over a year now, and while he has not always been the most active fish, I could tell that he was healthy. Yesterday, after I changed his water (I've got him housed in one of those little 1/2 gallon plastic things) I noticed he seems really sick. He's gasping for air at the top, and he's lying floating on his side. Every once in a while he'll swim to the bottom, but it seems like he's too weak and he's being pushed upwards again. He also has a loss of appetite. His body looks pretty normal, so I'm sure it's not a fungal infection. However I don't know what it is...any ideas on how to treat this?

Answer 1

I had a perfectly healthy looking betta that did the same thing and didn't last but maybe a week after the symptoms started. I had him for two years. You may just for kicks and grins try a bigger tank the next time you get a betta if this one doesn't make it. They seem to do best in one gallon or larger.

Good Luck and Take Care

Answer 2

It sounds like a swim bladder problem. unfortunately most fish dye after a problem like this. I had a fish with that problem and the guy at the pet store told me that he thought the fish was going to die but that I could try putting him in a small container and change half the water often. I went home and tried this and after a couple days my fish was fine and went on to live for 3 years. I also had another fish with this problem who did not make it. Good luck.

Answer 3

Sorry but most bettas only live one to three years if you are lucky. There is probably nothing you can do.

Answer 4

That's exactly how all the bettas I've ever had have died. They don't live very long. 2.5 years is the longest I've ever had one.

Answer 5

please ask bettachris, a betta expert for 13 years.
http://www.forumsvibe.com/betta/index.php?mforum=betta

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