My Betta has a horrible wound on his left side right next to the fin and his gill.
Im thinking its so deep that it went in through to an intestine because when he swims around small clumps of what looks like his food, fall out.
I now have him in a jar floating in the tank.
He had been acting weird for about a month or so, hiding in between drift wood and losing some color but it was just now that I see the wound.
I suspect it was from an Angel Fish during feeding time. They get very territorial.
But anyways, what should I do? Do I euthanize?
Ive had him for a year or so and i've been through quite a lot with him.
Also, looking at him from the top he looks a bit lumpy. His scales are sticking out a bit, so I thought maybe I should add dropsy to his list of problems but then maybe its just a reaction to the wound?
Oh and regardless of anything, he still eats ferociously.
Anyways, I can add a picture if you'd all like. Of the wound and of the top view.
What do I do?
2007-07-24 08:40:46 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Fish
**Had him the the angel fish because he was the only ones the Angel fish wouldnt pick on. He's been with them for over a year with no problems. Im guessing since he's become weaker the past few weeks, they noticed and did the damage.
2007-07-24 08:49:30 · update #1
No freezer! Lol. That seems horrible.
How about some baking soda? I heard that works well. Maybe then freeze? The baking soda puts them to sleep, and the freeze will do the job.
2007-07-24 08:57:13 · update #2
Please do post a link to the photo or you can email them to me at magicman116@yahoo.com and I'll give you my best opinion on whether or not it will properly heal or if euthanasia is your best choice.
After I see the pics I'll update my answer.
MM
2007-07-24 08:57:27 · answer #1 · answered by magicman116 7 · 6⤊ 1⤋
As long as its eating why euthanize it??
In over twenty years of keeping fish my experience has been that a fish that is deathly ill or mortally wounded will stop eating or at least reduce its food intake. If your betta is still eating "ferociously" then just keep him isolated and continue to observe it.
If it comes to putting it down, place it in a small container and add a couple of teaspoons of sodium bicarbonate (baking soda). Once the fish loses conciousness you can then freeze it painlessly. This is the approved method for euthanizing fish in research laboratories.
2007-07-24 12:13:06 · answer #2 · answered by Mimik 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why did you have a betta with an angelfish in the same tank? How mean. I would get him his own tank, and give him melafix to see if he can heal. Since you put him in this situation you may also want to see a vet to see if they can help the poor guy. I hope he gets better!
(it sounds like he has dropsy tho, so you must STOP feeding him)
ADD -- Just becuase your angel fish only hurt your betta now, doesnt mean it was right for you to put your betta in that situation. Of course it won't always be immeidate that fish who should not be together hurt each other, but it still can happen, and it's a shame since bettas are so easy to house.
PS DO NOT FREEZE! IT IS FOUND TO BE PAINFUL AND THE FISH FEEL THEIR BLOOD CRYSTALIZING. GET CLOVE OIL, IT PUTS THEM TO SLEEP -- PLEASE DON'T TORTURE THIS POOR THING ANY MORE THAN IT'S BEEN IF YOU AREN'T GOING TO TREAT IT.
2007-07-24 08:46:56 · answer #3 · answered by boncarles 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Euthanasia is probably your only course of action,it sounds like there is a secondary infection following the wound. If you chose to put your Betta down, freezing is probably the quickest and most painless. Just put the fish in a plastic bag and put it in the freezer for a few hours. Some people have recommended Vodka as an anesthetic(put the fish in a small container of water and drip in Vodka) before freezing. Since the animal is cold blooded,the freezing process is probably anesthesia enough. ---Sorry --- Good luck.
2007-07-24 08:52:52 · answer #4 · answered by PeeTee 7 · 0⤊ 5⤋
If you do euthanize, use the clove oil method, it's the most humane. I had a hard time finding it, but eventually did at an Eckerds back in the pharmacy-have to ask for it. Here's a few links:
http://www.petalia.com.au/templates/StoryTemplate_Process.cfm?Story_No=1885#ct-4
http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-the-most-humane-way-to-euthanize-a-fish.htm
Good luck!
2007-07-24 10:02:57 · answer #5 · answered by tikitiki 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I agree that you should either post a pic or send it to magicman. He also helped me with my betta who would have surely died had I not had his help. I managed to save him and he is doing just great. Dont' give up just yet. You might still be able to save him. Send him a pic.
2007-07-24 09:53:50 · answer #6 · answered by Tina N 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I'm dreadfully sorry about your poor fish. One of my sisters older bettas was acting very lethargic and I think it had a case of fin rot that would not clear up. I'm not positive though, as I was away at the time. She told me she just put him in a plastic bag and stuck him in the freezer.
2007-07-24 08:54:10 · answer #7 · answered by Ska.Ska.Ska 4 · 0⤊ 4⤋
Please listen to Magicman here on this one. He's helped me save some of my fish when a nasty parasite got in my tank. If you absolutly must euthanize your Betta, CLOVE OIL will do it rather painlessly.
JV
2007-07-24 09:38:14 · answer #8 · answered by I am Legend 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Freezing is the most humane option. The level of cold increases so slowly in the bag in the freezer that they don't know anything is happening, they just drift off to sleep.
Love,
Snag
2007-07-24 09:42:44 · answer #9 · answered by snaggle_smurf 5 · 0⤊ 8⤋
Assuming it is not treatable... not enough info in your post.
http://www.petplace.com/fish/euthanasia-in-fish/page1.aspx
http://www.aq-products.com/APpro/euthanase.htm
2007-07-24 08:44:12 · answer #10 · answered by something_fishy 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋