First, he has no fins. They are starting to grow back now, just a little. I doubt they will ever look like they must have at some point. But, they are on the mend. My biggest problem right now seems to be swim bladder disease. I think. He has a little bit of a pot belly. When he tries to go to the bottom of the bowl, he immediately floats right back up to the top. While floating at the top, he can't keep himself upright. He goes over on his side and he curves his back end so that he almost looks like he's making a "C" shape. It could be from constipation, but it could also be from the trauma of the Oscar tank. I have withheld his food for the last day. But, he still doesn't seem better. I don't know if I can get him to eat a pea. I didn't see him eat anything when I tried to feed him on the first day. I've had him for three days now. Should I try an antibiotic? If so, what should I get? His fins are clear on the edges. Will the color come back eventually?
2007-07-13 08:14:54 · 5 answers · asked by Tina N 4 in Pets ➔ Fish
He was placed in the Oscar tank at wal-mart and his fins were ripped off.
2007-07-13 08:15:31 · update #1
If you are truly intent on saving the fish, you need to start an antibiotic treatment. I would suggest Furanace or Furan 2 for an internal infection. If you can't get those, use Maracyn TC or some other tetracycline.
Yes, if it lives it will eventually get color back in it's fins.
MM
2007-07-13 09:51:26 · answer #1 · answered by magicman116 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I had a betta with a somewhat similar problem, she didn't have swim bladder, but she was bent in a c shape, not sure if it was a genetic thing or what. Just felt bad for her, didn't think she'd live very long-so figured I'd give her a temporary better life, then return her when she died. She ended up living about 6 months lol. And she did improve greatly during that time.
Anyway, put him in a shallow dish/bowl-I know bowls aren't good for bettas, but it's easier for them when they're sick or have swimming issues to be in a shallower container. You'll just need to change the water out about every day or two. Add some epsom salt(not aquarium salt), dosage will be hard to figure, usually it's recommended 1/8-1/2 tsp per 5 US gallons. Try a little bit of the pea. That and the epsom salt should help if it's a constipation problem. Otherwise, go ahead and try an antibiotic. I would try Maracyn Two. Like someone mentioned though, he may have damaged the swim bladder, and if that's the case, most likely won't be cured. If he doesn't get better, or starts to get worse, I would euthanize him. Here's a couple good links with info on that, I personally prefer the clove oil method-much more humane. I let them float around in the mixture, make sure they're not breathing for awhile, then put them in the freezer-to be sure. Good luck and hope he makes it!
http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-the-most-humane-way-to-euthanize-a-fish.htm
http://www.petalia.com.au/templates/StoryTemplate_Process.cfm?Story_No=1885#ct-4
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2007-07-13 15:50:34 · answer #2 · answered by tikitiki 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
UGH! Them bastards! Who would have done that to him?!?! That's just MEAN!!! That dude should be fired for that!!!!
I have a betta with almost the same exact issue. My bettagirl, (Liberty) was healing in my betta tank from a scuffle with my big mean male gourami. I released her back into my big tank (peaceful community tank now that Gourami's gone!) and somehow something happened, and her spine is bent. I don't know what happened, she was only in there for a couple hours... Her fins are starting to look good, and she's happy in the betta tank, living and swimming (almost) perfectly. You can tell that she was in a scuffle because the area where her fins are growing back isn't the same color as what wasn't torn up. I'm not sure if it will be the same ever again. I've heard that over time, as the fins start to heal it will be normal. Where my platty's tail was bitten off from before I got them, the black never grew back in that notch. I really don't know if it will be normal again, but I was told that it should.
As far as the swim blatter, I don't know. Sorry. He doesn't seem okay at all to me. It really sounds like he won't make it. If he looks like he's really in pain you may want to think about "letting him go." There's no point in watching him suffer like that. There's no point in making him suffer like that.
Good luck, and I hope this helps you out...
;o)
2007-07-13 15:34:28 · answer #3 · answered by Sweets 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First of all, shame on people who do stuff like put Bettas (which are very docile) into tanks with bigger fish! Unfortunatly, I dont think there is much you can do, if he doesnt want to eat, dont feed him. The water will just get dirty and that could cause more harm. He may have internal injuries that prevent him from swimming properly, or maybe hes just not used to his fins being short. Just keep him comfortable, try to see if he will eat at least once a day, but dont overfeed him.
Good Luck!
2007-07-13 15:25:09 · answer #4 · answered by Bridget W 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Check out this site on fish TB. Your fish may have contracted it at Walmart. Since it was exposed to other fish in a MARS unit at the store, there is no telling what diseases it could have obtained.
http://www.aquarticles.com/articles/management/Lawler_Tank_Safety.html
Most likely the betta got whatever it has from it's injuries. I doubt if this fish will live much longer.
2007-07-13 15:26:39 · answer #5 · answered by fivespeed302 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋