Ianthe

This morning, 9 am, he was swimming and flaring and eating just as normal, very energetic. Around 3:30 pm I saw him laying on the bottom behind his heater, twisted so his face was up. Gill breathing was very rapid, maybe twice his normal pace. Eventually he made his way to the surface for a few breaths of air, but it was difficult and he seemed to be using only his two front little fins to swim. He is now resting on a large leaf right below the water surface, actually laying on the leaf. This is good so he is closer to the air.

There are no other symptoms other that a very very sudden lethargy, and rapid breathing.

He got a 2/3 water change a few days ago. Water is 80 deg. Ammonia, etc tests are OK.

This is such a mystery to me...

Kevin

i wish i could help, but i dont know much about diseases...other members who know more will answer your question shortly
good luck!

Chief_waterchanger

Sounds like perhaps a chemical got in the water. Do 50% waterchange immediately and another every other day for a week. Even if -you- didn't knowingly have chemicals on your hands or airosol chemicals used in the room, it may have gotten into the water indirectly. Lotion, handsoap, airosol brought by air-circulation, etc. Any other fish in the tank? What size tank?

Gunnie

I agree. I'd do a waterchange immediately. I'm so sorry you have a sick fish!

COBettaCouple

has he lost any color? will he eat?

Ianthe

He's alone in a 5 gal. I just did a water change right now. I was gone all day [at the vet no less.. my guinea pigs have lice!], but the door to my room was open, he is right by the door, with a mesh top on his tank. My mum is known to spray air freshener in the bathroom that's 10 feet away... guess it's possible. I need to get him a better tank lid.

He just had dinner right now, ate with the same zeal as always. He's actually swimming about a little bit more, but still rapid breathing. Seems the same color as always.

I thought he was dead when I first saw him on the bottom behind the heater...

0morrokh

I would do at least a 50% water change every day until he's completely better. It does sound like some sort of chemical got into the water.

Allie

Betta sp. are fish that are so hard to keep healthy...so it's always a mystery to me when mine suddenly get ill...in my case, usually die.
Hop your fish is better soon.

Tazmiche

Any more news Ianthe?

nmwierman1977

Is he any better today? Natalie

Ianthe

I can't believe it, he's back to his normal self. Completely better.
I don't know how or why. I thought he was a goner. Yay for water changes!
Thanks you guys!

I'm going to get that lid and a filter pronto.

Chief_waterchanger

Congrats. Glad we could help, but you did the work.

nmwierman1977

That's great news Ianthe! It's always wonderful to hear that a Betta(or any fish for that matter) recovers from something so sudden like that. Natalie

PS BTW, I never did welcome you to fishlore, so welcome to fishlore!

pamd

Great, great, great!!! And by the way, just in case your mum's air freshener spray (or some other strong chemical near or even in his tank) caused his lethargy, please tell her to lay off that stuff. It's not good for you, either!

0morrokh

That's great to hear he's recovered!

COBettaCouple

great to hear that!

Ianthe

Yep, I'm happy. Thanks guys, and for the welcome.