ebbandflow

So Satin is sitting on the bottom of the tank a lot for the past couple days. If I walk up to the tank he swims up to the top fine. But then he settles at the bottom again once I leave, or at least pretend to leave. He used to do this every now and then but it just seems like he's doing it a lot more often now. Any suggestions? Thanks.

0morrokh

Did you test the water, and check him very carefully for any signs of disease? If everything is fine, it's possible he is depressed. He is maybe lonely and that is why he swims up when you come in the room. Try giving him tons of attention and loving and see if that helps. When you are not in the room, do something to keep him occupied, such as leave on the tv for him to watch if there is one. I hope he gets better!

chickadee

Water temperature? Food change? Condition of fins? Eating? Sorry for all the questions but you know I worry when my little friends get the "willies". No, this is not a good thing even though it can be depression. Depression in a betta will eventually lead to disease. (simply because they will quit taking care of themselves) Can he see the tank with the ladies and the other fish? If so he may be royally pouting because you are spending time with them, but this doesn't sound like just that although a Betta pout is one heck of a pout. Try the added attention and much love and cooing over him and hike the temperature up to 82 just to be on the safe side and watch for spots or any other sign of other problems. It is obvious that his immune system is not at the best right now so we don't want to start something if there isn't anything there yet.

Please let us know how he is and I will probably be up on "sick baby watch" tonight if you need to post. Not mine, yours. I do that you know. I will check in every few hours.

Rose

ebbandflow

Water temp the same, food same, fins still getting better, very hungry. He can see the other tank, if he can see out his tank like six feet. But I havent been doing anything different since this started. I give them attention but I give him attention too. I'll increase the temp.

Just so you know, at this point I am treating him daily with pimafix, melafix and stress coat.

Thanks rose and 0morrokh.

chickadee

It sounds like pout at least in part. You may not think you have changed anything but if Satin sees you giving the other fish attention and he has been used to getting it ALL, he may have his little nose out of joint. It is almost classic "there is a new baby in the family" older sibling behavior. Bettas are VERY territorial and that extends to us as well as to their positon in the tank. You were his only buddy and now you have gone and found new friends and he may be feeling a little abandoned. As much time as you are spending with him, try to make him always first and last. First to go to and feed and the last to turn off the light and say good nite to. He is just like the first child in a family with a new baby, they need a little SPECIAL time with the parents to be shown that they are still important and loved. Continue with the meds and the temperature for a while and please let me know how he is doing. I am really hoping that it is nothing more than he just needs a little more attention and special time with you, but we need to watch him for a while to make sure.

I will check again first thing in the morning.

Rose

ebbandflow

I went online looking to see if I could find some stuff that sounded like what Satin has been doing and I think he has a swimbladder problem. He is definitely swimming along the bottom and that is one of the symptoms. Its called like belly swimming or something like that. Also, when hes stationary on the bottom the back end of him sometimes goes flat on the tank floor. That was another symptom they mentioned. They recomended not feeding him for up to three days and then feeding him peas on the final day. What do you think?

chickadee

I would feed him peas early and let them have a chance to do the work or a bit of carrot if he is not the pea type. Do not give him pellets or bloodworms or any other type of Betta food during this time though as it will compound the problem. What he really needs is the veggie fast like what some of the others have been doing to "unclog" their little buddies, but does he eat peas and such for you. If so then he can have his regular meals only use peas instead of his betta food and the peas should equal no more than one half his eye size cut up in about 3 pieces. Tough order I know but if he won't eat the peas or carrots then it is a complete fast for him, that is correct. The only cure I know of for the swim bladder problem is to get him cleaned out so it takes the pressure off that part of his anatomy. Poor little guy. When he goes don't be too surprised if it is HUGE and he will need a complete fast for about 24 hours to let his sore little bottom feel better. Then from now on he is going to have to be watched like a hawk to make sure he chews his food and should have a pea treat a couple times a week to prevent relapses.

Hope this helps. Please let me know.

Rose

ecnaj143

My new Betta is funny. When he chews it, he looks like hes savering the taste. Its cute.