Calling Beta Docs! Need help.

[fishmonkey]

We have two male Betas that we have had for a long time. They live in the glass plant holders with the plant you put on top. They live in seperate homes. They have been doing awesome, but one of them is having problems. I have no idea for the termanology to use in describing this. He seems like his energetic self when you talk to him and it comes time for feeding. With that said he has a pudgy belly and is having troubles swimming. He struggles to get to the top of the vase for food. When he stops moving his fins he sinks and ends up on his side.

Thanks,
Eric

 

[InR reason]

Ok, it sounds like he may have a swimbladder infection. Don't panic- just add a tiny amount of aquarium salt (to help your no doubt stressed friend)) and stop feeding him for a few days. You may see improvement. And while I'm on food let me ask what you do feed him. Pellets? Flakes?

Also- how long is "very long"? Bettas avg. lifespan is 2-5 years, although some are reported to live much longer than that. I love all of mine and seriously look forward to many years with them.

 

[Puffernewbee]

You say that you have had them a long time. I am curiuos how long because it may just be old age. Bettas only live 2-3 years.

It could also be one of these two:
Constipation

Symptom: A string of feces hanging from the betta, swollen of the stomach, lack of appetite, sluggishness

Cause: This is often cause by a lack of variety in the diet, feeding starchy food, or living in poor water condition,

Treatment: Fast the betta for 2 days and feed it with plant and vegetable such lettuce, pea (cooked pea and then squeeze the meat out from the shell), etc for the next 2 days. Following treatment feed your betta with a diet of proper variety foods.

Dropsy

Symptoms: Pinecone appearance caused by the scales protruding out from a swollen abdomen.

Causes: Dropsy is caused by a bacterial or viral infection usually brought about by poor water condition or poor nutrition.

Treatment: Commercial treatments such as Tetracycline, Maracyn 2, Kanacyn, or Epsom Salt are available and can be successful if dropsy is detected early. Dropsy is very difficult to treat and often fatal.

 

[fishmonkey]

I have had him for over a year. I change the water every 2-3 weeks and keep the plant roots trimmed. Every other day he gets pellets and in between 1 or 2 Betta treats(freeze dried worms). He still has a strong appetite, reacts very well to voice and is himself except for his behavior as mentioned before. I don't see any scales protruding around his belly and his color is still good.
Thanks for the help. I will continue to observe him and implement the fixes in your posts.

 

[TheZoo]

Try changing the water more often, he may be reacting to too much gunk in the water... Im guessing you dont have a spare tank or two to put them in?