I have a red betta fish and I take good care of him, but recently he turned pale and doesnt eat at all. He just swims on the very top and dont move that much. Whats wrong with him?
2007-08-03 05:50:41 · 10 answers · asked by Trisha 1 in Pets ➔ Fish
Its bad water quality and/or low water temperature.
You need to change 50% of his tank water and make sure the temperature is 78-85degrees Fahrenheit.
It also could be signs of aging.
Hope this helps
WT
2007-08-03 05:57:40 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Unfortunately when kept in a bowl bettas do tend to deteriorate in health, though it will happen in different ways for different people, including just ending up dead, developing disease, or just wasting a way. In the future, because betta's are indeed tropical plant dwelling fish, try to provide a home which can be filtered and heated, with some plants that allow the fish to roam and live properly, and enough water to change it partially, since removing fish from the tank and doing full water changes are both very stressful to it. They can live over 5 years in a good home, but rarely get more then 2 out of a bowl, and usually considerably less. There is nothing you can do for your fish but wait and hope - even if he has a disease we can treat, we can't treat it in a tiny unfiltered bowl - the medication itself needs a properly aerated tank and can be dangerous to use otherwise. I know you don't want to hear it's because of what you did, but better to be honest with yourself and learn and do it right for next time, right! PS: It doesn't matter if the fish store said you can keep it in a bowl, they don't know as much about fish as you might think. It also doesn't matter that most people do keep bettas in bowls and vases - most bettas don't get to live full, healthy, active lives!
2016-05-17 08:15:58 · answer #2 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The paleness could be a sign of stress or aging. Has there been a water change recently? there may be a buildup of ammonia, nitrite, or nitrate, and these couls explain the loss of appetite as well.
Does he have a heater? Bettas do best when their temperature is between 76-86o. Too far to either side of this range and they'll become lethargic and lose their appetities.
How long have you had the betta? Their lifespan can be as long as 7 years, although some only live for 2-3, and they're usually between 6-9 months old when they're sold in stores.
2007-08-03 05:59:31 · answer #3 · answered by copperhead 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Okay, here's a few things that have worked for my bettas.
One. Check the amount of light he is exposed to. Don't put him in a window or anything, but if he's in dim light in a corner or something, he might benefit from a little more illumination.
Next thing would be to put a little mirror by the side of his bowl/tank. Seeing 'another male' can snap them out of a depressive state.
If he's having noticable trouble swimming down, he might have a swim bladder infection. They sell medicine you can add to the water at most pet stores.
First, I'd start off with the water change. Make sure it has been treated with chlorine remover and allowed to reach room temp first.
2007-08-03 08:33:37 · answer #4 · answered by larsor4 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It could be that his water is too cold. My bettas get pale when they are too cold. He should be in a minimum of 1/2 gallon of water. Make sure you have a thermometer on the tank so you can make sure it stays in the right range. Hikari makes something called betta revive that can help to perk him up a bit.
2007-08-03 06:00:57 · answer #5 · answered by Nicole 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Turned Pale
2017-02-22 03:41:29 · answer #6 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He is sick. I will pray he is not dying. Go to your local fish store and ask their suggestions. There are many medications you can give a sick Betta if you treat them quick enough.
Think of it as calling a Fishy Doctor :)
Good luck!!!
2007-08-03 05:56:25 · answer #7 · answered by PawPrint 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
That's just sooooo wierd!!! Those things live forever!!! My friend had one and it lived for 5yrs. Now I have one and it has been alive for 3 (As far as I know........) (Got it as a favor for one of my friend's b-day parties) (Don't ask!!!!!)
So back to your question: Go to the pet store and ask around. It can't hurt. And If they can't help I don't konw what to do
2007-08-03 05:59:39 · answer #8 · answered by keepthisasecret 1 · 0⤊ 3⤋
not to make you sad but mine did that right before it died it lost all of its color and quit eating and would just sit at the top of the water
2007-08-03 05:54:17 · answer #9 · answered by Kell 5 · 0⤊ 3⤋
I am very sorry, this is probally your last moments with your fish. When they lose color they are about to die. It really sucks!
2007-08-03 05:55:06 · answer #10 · answered by f1mudvayne29 5 · 0⤊ 4⤋