why would my female beta be floating on top of the water upside down? no, she isn't dead (yet?).
2007-02-19 08:01:15 · 8 answers · asked by margaret72450 2 in Pets ➔ Fish
I hate to say it, but there are several potential causes and none of them will have a very good out come at this late stage. Usually by the time a fish is acting that way it's really near the end. Sorry.
MM
2007-02-19 08:32:16 · answer #1 · answered by magicman116 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Floating at the top of the water is not a symptom of swim bladder disease in and of itself. SBD's symptoms are more of the fish attempting to swim, but not being able to stay upright or navigate well. It could be SBD, so you would need to assess whether it is able to swim and in what manner. Or, it could be SBD and it's already too far gone to even try to swim. But, a fish floating at the top of the water is more symptomatic of a dying fish. It may be too late to save the fish, but when a fish gets sick like this, the answer is virtually always found by testing the water quality. You would need a master test kit to see where the ammonia, nitrites and nitrate levels are. The fish could be dying of new tank syndrome, which is basically ammonia poisoning, which can happen even if the tank isn't new. There isn't enough information about the fish's symptoms to diagnose it for any treatment, even if it is at a point it can be saved. You have to look at the skin and fins to assess what it might have and treat it accordingly. Here is a link for diseases. Take a look at them and see if any apply. I would like to hope that your fish is still saveable, but sounds unlikely. Good luck though!
2007-02-19 08:33:40 · answer #2 · answered by Venice Girl 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
After you defrost the peas and shell them, You should smush slightly the two halves of the peas. You'll wind up with a green chunk with rough edges. This makes it easier for the fish to grab. If you can, cup your hand under your fish to hold her steady in the water, and hold the pea near her mouth. Try to get her to eat, this is important if she is to survive. That said, well fed fish can go a week or more without food without ill results, though of course it's not advised. Try giving her pea pieces every few hours and a few peas a day of possible til she's upright again. Peas are also a cure for constipation, so be prepared for a messy tank in desperate need of cleaning once you've ended this treatment. Good Luck!
2007-02-19 08:10:38 · answer #3 · answered by lildi_32 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Nice answer Venice girl. Too many people automatically say SB. Nothing more to add then my non-personal EXP. Frontosa(usually wild caught) are prone to a disease called "float". Its when they ingest air. I've "heard" of float lasting for months with no death rates. Mostly only cured with a needle inserted into the "right" spot. Just thought I would share, as its NOT always swim bladder(reread Venice answer). With a betta??? They are air breathers so??? Peas or CLOUT may be your best bet.
2007-02-20 12:12:58 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It has a swim bladder problem.
The only chance of a cure is to feed her a pea (frozen or canned is fine) with the outside layer removed. This will remove excess gas.
Keep feeding this once a day until it is better. It sounds like it might be too late though.
2007-02-19 08:05:53 · answer #5 · answered by allyalexmch 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
If i were you id grab it and toss it. it most likely has a bladder problem and feeding it pees doesnt really help, because it will only prolong its life for a few days. Betta fish are like 2 bucks anyways so just get a new one and toss the old one. i feed bettas to my flower horns cuz i hate betta fish xD
2007-02-19 08:47:33 · answer #6 · answered by Gary p 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
What do your water tests look like? If you don't have a kit or don't know how to test the water find out.
2007-02-19 08:12:21 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't know...that pretty weird.
2007-02-19 08:09:13 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋