We got Elmo just over 5 years ago and last week he stopped eating and seems to sink to the bottom of the bowl when trying to swim. He does eventually make his way to the top and will prop himself on top of his fake plant and spend most of his day. I've been changing his water every 4-5 days adding aquarium salt and betta bowl conditioner. If it cools down overnight I've been adding a little warm water in the mornings to warm up his bowl. I suspect he is dying due to his age because I do not see any other signs of disease from what I've read except to notice his lips seem puffy. He is red and has slowly started to turn grey the past week and his breathing seems slow; actually everything about him seems slow. Does this sound familiar for a betta dying of old age and is there anything I can do to make him more comfortable. It makes me sad to think he might be suffering and is breaking my 6 year old sons heart because Elmo is his fish.
2007-03-12 17:43:19 · 12 answers · asked by rdforreste 1 in Pets ➔ Fish
Bettas typically have a lifespan of 5-7 years, but they are usually around a year old, so yours is getting up there in age. The best thing you can do for him right now is to just keep him comfortable and let him die a peaceful death. There are methods of euthanization if you feel that would be best, just do a search for "fish euthanasia"
2007-03-12 17:55:20 · answer #1 · answered by fish guy 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
In these days where most people are lucky if a fish lasts a year, it is rare that a fish can actually die of old age. You've actually done very well at keeping your betta alive this long. The lifespan of a betta is from 2.5 to 7 years, so he very well could be reaching the end of his beautiful little life. Think about when you're in a tub and you add more warm water. It doesn't stay warm very long. If you don't have a heater, I think you would do better by putting him near a lamp that you can aim close to his bowl. This warmth would be more constant. Also, keeping him away from outside doors and window will help. We are always sad when we lose someone or something we love and it is especially hard to explain to a child why a fish has to die. But, you clearly have taken excellent care of him and I don't think you've done anything wrong to cause this. Give him a little more constant warmth, but other than this, you are doing a very fine job for him. You probably should start figuring out how to explain to your son that fish get old and die just like we do and his little fish has been happy and healthy and has loved your son for taking such good care of him.
2007-03-13 01:38:38 · answer #2 · answered by Venice Girl 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Probably. He is really old for a betta. That's about the extent of their lives.
Tell your son that Elmo is old and it's his time to go, but that after he is gone, you and your son can go pick out a new betta. Let him greive over his fish, it is an important lesson we learn in life and you shouldn't take that away from him. Bury him in the yard if that makes your son feel better. Make sure you let him know his grief is not silly (because it's only a fish) and help him through it and when he's ready, you can get a new one.
BTW congrats on keeping a betta that long. Most never get to that age.
2007-03-13 17:39:31 · answer #3 · answered by SabrinaD 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes your betta is dying but hes had a great life most betta don't live past 2 or 3 years of age so he's a very old fish.
2007-03-13 01:00:16 · answer #4 · answered by lover of animals 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋
He is staring to die my fish betta fish died like that.I'm sorry to tell you this but Elmo is dying (-_-) may Elmo rest in peace.You should spend your last moments with Elmo.Elmo was old there was nothing you could do about it.You raise Elmo well though.
P.S just buy a new fish before your 6 year old son notices.
2007-03-13 00:51:56 · answer #5 · answered by slicedice66 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The salt could very well adding to his health problems. My Mom has a betta fish and uses nothing but spring water in his bowl and her fish is very healthy.
2007-03-13 00:57:12 · answer #6 · answered by Future Top Chef 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
He's probably dying of old age. Most bettas live to be 2-5 years. He lived a long, great life. Consider yourself lucky.
2007-03-13 00:49:20 · answer #7 · answered by Kim H 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
It appears he is dying of old age. Betta's normal life span is 2 years old so you must be something right. Except you should not add salt to his water as Betta's are fresh water. If you would like to end his pain I would suggest freezing him. It sounds cruel but it is the most humane way to euthanize a fish. Put him in a bowl and the water will slowly get colder and he will lose consciousness and die. Good luck.
2007-03-13 00:56:04 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 5⤋
I am so sorry. But you must have taken tremendous care of him to live to such an age. If he has trouble swimming to the top you can lower the water level a little, but not so much that it dirties too easily or he has nowhere to swim.
2007-03-13 01:51:56 · answer #9 · answered by boncarles 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes it does.I'm sorry.But I don't think you should be adding warm water.If you think the temperature is a problem, place his bowl under a direct source of light.
2007-03-13 03:54:53 · answer #10 · answered by oops1388 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋