My beta fish i think is dying can some one help?

Question

so I have had my beta since about March and he is such a character. Anyways today I noticed him staying near the bottom alot and coming up or air he hasnt lost an appetite or anything I just dont know what to do, he seems to struggle with breathing as well. He is in a 2 gallon filtered tank i feed him about 4-6 pellets a day sometimes a blood worm as well later on when i walk near tank, I just feel horrible like he is suffering any help? i appreciate it

Answer 1

It actually sounds like constipation
and the best thing to prevent that in the first place is skipping one day out of the week for meals

Constipation can strike your betta just like it can you. It is unpleasant but can eventually kill your betta if not treated.

CAUSES:

One of the main reasons a betta becomes constipated is because their main diet is too rich. If you are feeding blood worms or brine shrimp on a daily basis, you can give your betta constipation. Another common cause of constipation is lack of variety in a betta's diet. An easy solution for this is alternating between food types for meals, such as a few pellets in the morning and flakes at night, brine shrimp the next day, etc. A third cause of constipation may be overfeeding at meal times.

PREVENTION:

Some betta owners fast (do not feed) their betta for one day per week to cleanse the betta's system. This is a useful method to prevent constipation, especially if live or frozen foods are fed on a regular basis. Another feeding option thought to prevent constipation is splitting a betta's feeding up into two small meals per day, rather than one larger meal. This reduces the amount of food intake at one time and allows the betta's system to process it easier. Always remember a betta's stomach is about the size of his eyeball, so a little food goes a long way. Variety in a betta's diet is important both to prevent constipation, and insure they are receiving the necessary nutrients to stay healthy.

DIAGNOSIS:

A constipated betta will have an unusually swollen abdomen but in all other rights appear and act normally.

TREATMENT:

Treatment for constipation is rather simple and can be cured very quickly. As mentioned above try to feed your betta a more varied diet and possibly smaller portion sizes.

To rid yourself of the constipation problem, fast your betta for 24-48 hours. Next, take a cooked pea and peel it. Feed a small portion of it to your betta on the end of a flat toothpick. Within the next day or so you should see the swelling go down and a few little deposits at the bottom of the tank. Watch to make sure your betta is going to the bathroom, as this will mean the constipation is subsiding.

NOTE: if your betta continues to swell after treatment of constipation and you are noticing that he is having bowel movements, something else could be the problem like Dropsy, Bloat, Swim Bladder Disorder, or a tumor.

Additional procedures:

Clean water is always important for a betta, but is especially beneficial for any betta facing an illness.

Always keeping your betta warm, between 76-82 degrees, will also help them to feel more comfortable and raise their immune system.



Hope that helps
Good luck


EB

Answer 2

Check the water temperature, it should be about 80 degrees. The water should be very still, if it has too strong a current from the filtration it may affect the fish since they are accustomed to shallow ponds in their natural habitat. If you need to add a heater to the tank make sure it is a grounded heater so it doesn't shock the water. My husband is a fish fanatic and the longest any of his Beta's have lived is 2 years. If the tank is in direct sunlight move it, as Beta's don't like direct sunlight. Unless there is something visibily wrong with the fish ie. swims funny or has a fungus, and if it isn't the water temp. it may just be something you can do nothing about such as internal problems. Also, even though you have a filtration system the water still needs to be changed periodically or else the ammonia may build up. If you want to stimulate the fish back into action you can get another beta and put it in a bowl or tank right next to him so they can see eachother and they will compete with one another through the glass. Good luck to you and your fishy. Our Beta, Rick died the other day. It was sad.

Answer 3

I know how you feel. I love my Bettas too and I know when something is up with them. He could be constipated. Sometimes fish become a little lethargic when they are constipated. 4-6 pellets a day is ok, but it's a little on the heavy side when topping it off with a blood worm. Bloodworms are great, but they are very high in protein which can clog up the Bettas digestive system. I generally feed my Bettas two or three pellets twice a day. I also treat them to a blood worm twice a week. It also doesn't hurt to mix up the pellet schedule with some freeze dried brine shrimp.

Don't feed him for two days, let his system clear out and see how he responds. It may help to fast him for 24-48 hours once a week, regularly, to help his system clear out.

Answer 4

Check the temperature and make sure it is about 80 degrees.

Stop feeding them bloodworms except every once in a while.

Only give it 3-4 pellets per day or you will end up with a fat fish.

Answer 5

Go to www.about.com and look up beta fish then scroll down to you see a profile of Siamese fighting fish including habitat care feeding and breeding I hope this helps

Answer 6

Oh dear! I think you should look for clues. Like shredded/ torn fins, white or black spots on his body, or a hole on his head. Go here- http://www.bettatalk.com/betta_diseases.htm
Look up Betta diseases too and treat him almost sooner than possible. I Really hope he gets better. >hugs<

Answer 7

http://www.buzzle.com/articles/betta-fish-care.html

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/212147/tips_on_proper_betta_fish_care.html

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/112056/betta_fish_care_for_maximum_health.html

maybe u can find some info in here that can help you =/

I wish I could help more

Answer 8

maybe its just lazy