Betta Fish Sick?

Question

I don't know for sure, but I TRULY think my fish is sick. He use to be VERY active, now he's not. I just came from out of town not to long ago at all. We stayed out from Friday to Sunday (today), and he acts unusual. I had to keep tapping the tank to get his attention, and I NEVER have to do that. And, it took him so long to come back up onto the top of the water. It seemed as if he wasn't hanging on to well. When he'd swim up...he'd float down a little, and had to force himself right back up. I fed him also, though he took one of the pellets, he didn't eat everything.

The touch of the water is cold, so maybe that could be it I'm guessing? Just PLEASE help me out, I've been having this fish for over a year now.



Extra Info: Tank isn't to big, not TOO small. He's VERY active. He's playful and pays attention to things. He's NEVER acted sick before. It's been a while since we've cleaned out the tank, though it still looks in very good condition.

Answer 1

Hi there,

Sorry to hear about your betta. How old is he? Bettas live 2-4 years, so he may just being old.

However, what do you mean by 'not too big, not too small' tank? I'm guessing you have him in some sort of bowl / small container, right? Without a heater or a filter? That is probably excaberating or even causing the problem.

While bettas can survive in a gallon of water with no filter or heat, they can survive the same was a person can survive in a small, cold closet with no toilet. In the wild, bettas don't like in tiny, dirty puddles; they have actual expanses of clean, warm water.
Also, in addition to temperature and space issues, a small tank cannot be cycled. Ammonia therefore builds up, causing pain/discomfort to your fish if you aren't doing very frequent water changes (as in, daily) - even though the water looks in 'very good condition', it is full of ammonia which is toxic, and it burns your fish, making him sick. What do you mean by 'a while since you've cleaned the tank'? If it's anymore than 6 days, he is likely suffering from ammonia burn.

Does he have any external symptoms like bloating, pinecone-like apearance, fungus, frayed fins (finrot)?

Frankly, the best thing you could would be to put him in a larger tank (5 gallons would be fine) with a small heater and a real filter, and cycle the tank: http://www.ratemyfishtank.com/article2.php and heat it to 78F.

If that is completely impossible, be sure to do frequent water changes (80% every other day), and try to move the tank closer to a warm lamp (do it slowly to make sure the water does not get too hot - get a thermometer if you don't have one already)

Good luck with him!

Answer 2

Clean out his tank, and be sure to use a de-chlorinator when you replace the water. Also, be sure that the new water is at room temperature before you put him back in.

My betta acts like this when his tank isn't clean enough for his liking...it may look clean to me, but it isn't good enough for him!

If he is having trouble making it to the top, only fill the tank up halfway so he doesn't have to strain himself as much.

Good luck with your fishie!

Answer 3

my fish did that, and he died, i think its cuz he was sick, but try feeding him. if he doesn't eat, set water out 4 1 hr, and put a de-chlorinater in. clean out his tank, and pour the water in his tank, and put him back in there, maybe he's just tired of a messy tank. good luck with ur fish, my precious Wumbo just died 2day...

Answer 4

Fish don't live that long. He could be ill.