Male Crowntail Betta Fish gill PROBLEM?

Question

I just cleaned by 2 betta fish's bowls, and when I moved my male crowntail from his bowl to a small cup to clean his tank, i noticed in the small cup that his left gill was sticking out....at first i just thought he was mad, but after I finished cleaning his bowl and put him back in, it stayed sticking out, and it seems he is gulping an unsusal amount of air from the top. I pick him up with a small fish net, do you think that could have hurt him
I feel bad because i think i hurt him
please help

Answer 1

it's possible that it could have gotten hurt, but it could also be from an infection. good thing is cleanign the tank is the first thing to do for treatment. until it gets better you'll need to change the water every 3 days at least. next time you change the water add aquarium salt, this will help prevent an infection from starting. add about 1/2 a teaspoon to every gallon of water he's in. disolve it int he water before you put the betta in.

Answer 2

I have a beta with the same problem. It's very possible that you hurt his gill. Make sure you change to water 2-3 a week for a couple of weeks in case he was cut. He should be fine- a gill stuck out doesn't necessarily cause the fish any real problems, and after a little while the fish will be used to it.