betta is like a stone

[Lauren]

My betta seems to spend most of the time just resting at the bottom of the tank. He's sitting on the gravel right now. It looks like swimming, or even floating is difficult for him.

The water perameters are fine temp is 78. He still has good color and no visible signs of illness.

 

[Holly9937]

how long have you had him? I'm no expert, but mine gets listless sometimes, just from overeating (first betta I've ever had, still trying to figure out whats best for him!). A bite of pea has helped mine get back to normal, also, a plant (fake or not) with leaves for him to rest on, that won't hurt his fins,might help.

 

[Lauren]

We've had him almost three years, since I hear they are usually a year old when you get them at the petstore, that'll make him four.

He's been like this for a while. I will try feeding him a pea.

 

[Holly9937]

Wow, you are very lucky and I think you have done the best you can... From what I have read a couple of years with a betta is really good! I just got my first one around the end of December, he was in a 2.5 gallon and I felt bad so he has since moved to a 10 gallon. I would think it is old age, don't you??

 

[Lauren]

I've heard that they can get up to around 5, so he should be able to keep on trucking.

 

[Holly9937]

I've heard 5 too, but if you consider that they are around a year old when you get them, you've had him for about 3... Most bettas aren't as lucky!! I think he has lived a wonderful life, and maybe he's just old... I would do the best you can in the meantime and make sure the rest of his life is as happy as the beginnining has obviously been!

best wishes!

 

[Lauren]

thanks. He has a sponge filter and java fern in there for him to rest on. he's choosing the fern right now. He is completely ignoring the pea, though.

 

[Emg]

Wow..you did good to have your betta for so long. I think he's probably just feeling his age, but it wouldn't hurt to fast him for a few days and see if maybe he's just bound up a little. Keep trying the pea though..he may just take a nibble, only remove what he doesn't eat so it doesn't dirty up the water...but you probably knew that..

Good work Lauren !