I have had a betta fish for about a year and three months?

Question

we usually clean his tank about every two weeks to keep it extra clean. When we took him out of his tank to transfer him into another bowl while I cleaned the tank he fell out of the net and my husband immediatly swooped him up and put him in the bowl. Now that we have put him back in his newly cleaned tank he has been swimming around really fast (not how he normally does) and seems to be swimming sideways and seems like he is trying to swim right. He is also discolored now. PLEASE HELP ME!!!!

he died =(

Answer 1

Bettas breath air instead of getting oxygen from the water. Holding him underwater could drown him, and will be extremely stressful. Your fish has plenty of oxygen, but it is probably EXTREMELY stressed. Let's recap: you removed him from his normal tank (which is very stressful), he jumped, flew, and landed (needless to say, that is very stressful), and now he's back in his home. Let him calm down with the lights off for about 30 minutes, then check on him and let us know how it's going. Email me if you have any questions.

Soop Nazi

EDIT: Reignofcheese, if you're gonna be an idiot, at least know what you're talking about. Bettas have a labyrinth organ that allows them to breath air. Holding them under water will drown them. FACT

Answer 2

Maybe he broke something but he could just be stressed? Bettas don't get oxygen from the water so don't do the holding thing.... Really I don't know what to tell you, did you feed him alot? Cause sometimes if you over feed your betta they get bloated and swim sideways(I did this to one of mine once, but he lived) I really don't know what to tell you, sorry.... this is a tough one! I wish you the best of luck-

PS If he doesn't get better and appears to be suffering I have heard that clove oil is the best way to put them out of their misery nicely.... just put some in the container- But don't give up on him: they are fighters!!!



Reignofcheese is soooo wrong!!! Bettas don't breathe under water, thats why they go up to the surface! If you hold a betta under water they drown, thats why they don't need a filter. They come from the rice patties in asia so they adapted a way to live in a low oxygen environment!!! I hate when people have NO CLUE what they are talking about!!!

Answer 3

Usually when fish come out of the water, they will be VERY VERY STRESSED and could have a swim bladder disease, explains why your betta swims sideways, more faster( because its swooping oxygen) and trying to swim right. Put him in a hospital tank.

Answer 4

Yes, never hold your fish like that other peson suggested. PLEASE. I will have to agree with nosoop4u246's advice.

For future reference, don't use a net with Betta fish. Use a small clear plastic cup (similar to the one your most likely bought your Betta with) and gently remove him from the tank with that, with a few inches of water. It's less stressful, safer and it's MUCH gentler on your Betta's fins (than a net of any size).

Answer 5

how far did he drop? im really not sure about your problem.maybe he broke a bone, or damaged his nerves. i dont think there is going to be much you can do for him.

Answer 6

Please please don't listen to nosnoop about the first part. Betta's don't rely on air to get oxygen, they have gills and survive under water like any other fish !! That has nothing to do with it!! Duh!

I do agree to give it time though.

Answer 7

ok come down and relax what you need to do is put hold him rite infront of the filter(yes i said hold him) like that he gets alot of oxegen this happened to my fish and within 2 minutes he got better and that was about 6 month ago and i still have him