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lately my betta fish hasn't been doing to good and i was wondering if someone can give me some advice. the betta stays on the bottom of his bowl most of the day, doesn't move as much as he use to, eats very little. Since the fish doesn't eat that much i tend to give him a little extra food here and there, he does eat but is still very little. I clean the bowl regularly, every 3 maybe 4 days. I had him for about 6 -7 months and noticed recently that he has lost some of his color and his tail on the back is stiff. if any one has any advice or a website that does have advice it would be appreciated.

2007-07-09 08:25:31 · 6 answers · asked by *starchild* 3 in Pets Fish

6 answers

I don't know from description, but he could have parasites, or suffer from dropsy. In this case you should get a treatment from your local pet shop or try to keep him betta, they never do well in bowls, they need at least 8 or more gallons and a heater, filter and some plants (with light) for cover, as he can split his fins on plastic plants. Firstly I'd try changing 25%+ water every week. More or less harms them.

2007-07-09 08:39:37 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0 0

DO NOT even bother taking advice from LG. Betta's need filtered water just like any other fish! Also Betta's will thrive in a real tank with a filter and a heater. With smaller bowls you will need to change the water more frequent. Many people don't know how to care for a Betta because of all the dumb myths going around, this is why most people don't have very good luck in keeping this species alive. Betta's do not eat plant roots. They eat food full of protein such as bloodworms, mosquitos, pellets and flakes specially made for them. Try getting him a real tank with a filter and heater and he will perk back up.

2007-07-09 16:30:27 · answer #2 · answered by LuvinLife 4 · 0 0

Since you're keeping him in a bowl, the first thing I would suspect is that the water isn't at a proper temperature. Bettas need tropical conditions, with water between 76-86o. They can live outside that range, but won't thrive. The start becoming lethargic and lose their appetite. A loss of color would indicate stress, but not the cause. A larget tank, even a 2.5 gallon with a heater and filter would be an improvement for him.

Here are some links to websites about bettas: http://www.bettatalk.com/
http://bettas.fishjunkies.com/index.php

2007-07-09 15:55:13 · answer #3 · answered by copperhead 7 · 1 0

You should refrain from changing the water so much. Betas are very hearty fish and can live in the worst of water conditions. But the water cannot go stagnant. I am sure you have seen the setups were betas are in the bottom of a vase with the roots of a peace lilly or other aquatic plants in the water with the plant on top. This is a very healthy environment for betas. Only change 25% of the water once every six weeks. Keep the vase/tank away from direct sunlight. Another mistake people make is that they feed them way too much. You should only feed them what they can eat in less than 60 seconds every three days. Don't go by the label of the food, the manufacturer is only trying to sell you more of it. Just leave him alone for a while, and follow these steps and your beta can live for a long time. Don't stress him out by playing with him until he is healthy again, and stop changing that water so much.

2007-07-09 15:37:10 · answer #4 · answered by LG 3 · 0 3

A betta belongs in an aquarium, with proper filtration and room to swim. I hope you're not keeping him in a tiny little fish bowl.

2007-07-09 15:34:31 · answer #5 · answered by Resident Heretic 7 · 0 0

FLUSH IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2007-07-09 15:45:17 · answer #6 · answered by HORSE LOVER 1 · 0 3

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