i got this fish yesterday (crown betta)
it doesnt eat it floats around like a sick fish..
which is REALLY starting to worry me.
plus at times it seems like its tilted.
it seems to rub itself against the gravel
i see no sign of ich or fungus.
it appears to like corners, and the bottom of the tank.
help!
whats wrong with it??
2007-07-27 15:51:19 · 12 answers · asked by FishyQuestions 2 in Pets ➔ Fish
Yes, it is tie to worry about your new Betta. The scratching, or rubbing is a sign of parasites, even if you can't see them yet. There may just not be enough to see quite yet. The scratching is often the first sign of a parasite infestation and shouldn't be ignored until you can see them. This could also explain his other behavior issues, as those same parasites could be on his gills. I would suggest you treat with Maracide or coppersafe ASAP.
MM
2007-07-27 16:00:28 · answer #1 · answered by magicman116 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It sounds like your betta might have a couple of issues. It could rub against the gravel (called flashing) before you see any signs of ich. Floating and being tilted is another issue on it's own. First, make sure you have a heater for your tank. You'll need to have it set at about 80 degrees, next add about a teaspoon per gallon of water of aquarium salt. Do not use table salt. Make sure his water stays super clean. You'll need to do a 50% water change every day until you see some improvement. Until you know for sure what is wrong with him, this will be the best thing to help him. The salt and warm water will help with the ich. You can actually raise the temp to about 87 if you really want to help with the ich. Perhaps one of the top contributors will have some more advice but that is where I would start. If you do what I suggested, you might see a big improvement over night. Being shy and hanging out in the corners is sort of normal betta behavior when adjusting to a new environment. Flashing, floating and tilting are not normal.
2007-07-27 16:02:15 · answer #2 · answered by Tina N 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most likely just the stress of adjustment.
Did you put it in an established environment?
But you never know. It may have been an unhealthy fish from the start. Give it a day or two. Most stores have a no return policy anyway, especially after 24 hours. I just got one about two days ago myself and it has not eaten yet. This has happened to me before with other betas so I am not concerned t this point. I wish you and the bets the best.
2007-07-27 15:59:14 · answer #3 · answered by thepolishchef 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds to me like he's constipated. Bettas tend to get bloated and constipated when they over eat. Put a half tsp of aquarium salt per gallon (dilute in his tank water first) in the water. Don't add salt on a water chnage once he;s better though. Bettas don't do well with salt as a general rule. It should only be used with them for medical purposes. He should be better within a day. (if that's the problem) Cut down on your feeding. If you're feeding betta pellets, two pellets a day is plenty. If you're feeding worms and or brine shrimp. One is plenty. Make sure you change his water regularly as well. At least once a week if not twice.
As for flashing (rubbing on the rocks) it could be related to the bloating or it could be parasitic. If there is no improvement after the salt treatment and cutting back on food after a day or two, look into the possibility of parasitic issues.
2007-07-27 16:13:21 · answer #4 · answered by Ginger 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
it could have a disease if it was in a tank with other fish at one time. bettas are supposed to be kept alone all the time.
however it could be normal, i have a crown betta and he likes to lay on the rocks and sleep. i know its weird but thats how he is. and he will eat freeze dried worms and thats about it. maybe try putting a snail or a frog in with him and see what happens. he might become more lively!
most pet stores have a $ back guarantee after a few days. and they are kind of expensive. id maybe exchange it if your are that worried!
2007-07-27 15:54:49 · answer #5 · answered by rachie11207 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
probably nothing. i have a betta and he likes to just float around. usually in the decorations hiding. sometimes he is at the top and then again he is at the bottom. sometimes he swims fast but for the most part he floats. mine didn't eat either for a few days until he was accustomed to his roommates. hope yours does well.
2007-07-27 15:55:47 · answer #6 · answered by deborah l 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Tina, Ginger and Magicman all have the right idea.
There are small parasites that can infect a fish that we cannot see but still need treatment. Do what they have said and you just may save its life.
2007-07-31 05:39:56 · answer #7 · answered by Joe H 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well let it just get used to its surrondings. it is proble scarded and not shure what is going on so just give it a couble of days. and make shure the bowl is clean and it has food. if it gets worse, go to petsmart of some where and ask them for adive because they might have medican for it. hope my advice helps.
2007-07-27 15:54:34 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Sorry to say but its slowly but surly dying. Its time to turn over a new leaf and buy another.
2007-07-27 16:35:12 · answer #9 · answered by Vickytoria 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋
mine did that than died but right before it did super pet gave me medecine but i think it was to late.
2007-07-27 15:53:40 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋