Why is my male betas stomach so puffy?

Question

I have had betas for several years but never had one that puffed up like this. Yes it is a male and no it is not pregnant.

Answer 1

Do the scales look like they're standing out from the body? This is dropsy. If he just looks "fat", it may be bloat (common in bettas). Or you could just be feeding him too well!

The following links have photos of fish with these conditions and info on how they can be treated. Good luck with him!
http://www.bettatalk.com/betta_diseases.htm
http://www.fishdeals.com/fish_diseases/stressdisease.shtml

Answer 2

I have the same issue. I have not been able to fix mine, though his stomach is about four times the size as my other betta in the same (divided) tank. There are a few questions I'd like to know. 1) Does he look sort of see through? 2) Is he energetic? 3) Does he eat the same as usual?
If all of yours are no, then you may need to medicate him. You could try feeding him a peeled pea, cut into really small pieces. You may also try adding salt to the aquarium.
My fish's colors are still vibrant, but his stomach is huge. He is not lethargic, only he has trouble moving since he is so big. Someone said it may be constipation, but I have seen that it is not. He has been this way for over a month now. I even put him on a diet, but he continued to grow.
I hope one of these tricks helps out your fish. Fat betta syndrome seems to be common though, and no one really knows the end all cure.

Answer 3

He may have Dropsy, get some melafix and fix him up. I saw another person post about the pea already for curing constapation

Answer 4

Have you been overfeeding it? Or maybe he's just getting old, like mine, who is almost five.

Answer 5

this may sound silly but it may be bloated? i would ask a professional