Please help save my fish!?

Question

I have had my Betta for about 2 years. He recently had a sore on his face that looked cottony. So I tried Fungus Clear (which did nothing) then I tried Maracyn. The Maracyn seemed to make him feel better, but didn't really clear up his face. Now he has been pretty much paralyzed for the last 4 days. He hasn't eaten that I know of. And the only way you can tell that he isn't dead, is by tapping on the aquarium glass and he moves. I now have him in a little net (loose so he can move)close to the top of the water so he can get gulps of air (which he hasn't done.). Is there anything I can do? Or is it too late? Also, his back is curved and he can't use his tail fin.

Answer 1

The cottony sore on his face is called columnaris. It looks like a fungus, but is actually a bacteria. That's why the fungus clear didn't work, but the Maracyn helped. Columnaris can become an internal infection and do even more damage tot he fish. Given his current condition, it may be too late to save him, but you can try with a different antibiotic. I would suggest Furanace or Furan-2 as the very best choices and Maracyn TC (or another tetracycline) if those first two aren't available.

Also, as any antibiotic treatment will kill the beneficial bacteria in the tank, be sure you keep a close watch on the ammonia levels. If you have no way to test the ammonia, change out 50% of the water now in the assumption the ammonia is high.

Best of luck with him and if I can help further feel free to email me.

MM

Answer 2

poor little betta! fish seldom get any fungus diseases and when they do they are slimy looking -- what he has is most likely columnuris (like mm said) -- have you been using maracyn every day? you should mix it in the water every day for i think 5 days? something like that -- i forgot the instructions. anyway like mm said it can be internal too -- you can spend more money on antibiotic food but i never had any luck with antibiotic food or antiparasite food --

you can try a salt bath -- dissolve 1 tablespoon aquarium salt (kosher or canning salt is the same thing) in a gallon of water and let him sit until he looks crazed or stops moving. usually its 10-15 minutes.

Answer 3

I'm so sorry - I don't know of any way to save your fish. Don't listen to people who say it's your fault. It's very insensitive to blame a person who obviously cares very much about her fish. I'm sure you took good care of him and kept his water clean. Sometimes, just as with colds and human illnesses, you can do everything right, but still you catch whatever's going around.

I had six bettas over the years, and I was absolutely scrupulous about keeping their tanks clean, and still, I had one that died of pretty much the same thing you describe. All of them eventually died. Bettas don't live that long, sad to say.

You've done all you can. Just wish him a quiet, peaceful passing and don't blame yourself.

Answer 4

It sounds as though your fish is at the end of his journey. Two years is a decent life span for a Betta. I also had a Betta for almost three years, and towards the end he behaved alot like your little guy. It was pretty awful to watch. But, know that you have done all you could and you provided him a loving environment.
Best wishes to you.

Answer 5

I am sorry to say that your fish is likely dying. His environment was the cause. Check on how you housed him and the quality of his water.

It took him a LONG time to get into this condition. Join a Fish Club and talk to them. They know all.

Answer 6

i have had a couple of bettas and never had one live much longer than 2 years. What are their life expectantcies anyway?

Answer 7

sorry to here about your fish. I don't think there's much you can do his condition, just let him die. Fish medication can be costly, so why not use that money to buy a new betta.

Answer 8

Betta's rarely live more than 2 years--you are lucky to have enjoyed him this long. I am sorry you are feeling badly over this.

Answer 9

another applause to MM...

Answer 10

yes