dinatwin

to find my male betta looking very pale in his face and staying at the top not gasping for air but breathing a bit more heavily than usual. Also he usually gets excited when he sees me but he didn't even acknowledge me. I did readings and ammonia 0 nitrite0 nitrates between 10-20. He's in a heated 2.5 mini bow with the temp at 78-79. I don't know what's wrong with him. He was just building a bubble nest 2 days ago and looked fine yesterday. I added some dechlorinated water to his tank. I don't have a bubbler so I agitated his water a bit with a turkey baster.
Here are a few pics

isis

maybe he is depressed?

Is he eating?

He is really beautiful!!

dinatwin

Thanks I don't think he's depressed. He has been very happy for time time now. since i moved him to this tank about 3 months ago. He was in a bowl and then I came across this site and learned tons so i moved him to better surroundings. I have had him for about 3 years and I'm hoping it's not old age. If it's old age would they just go from vibrant and happy to this in 1 day? I'm hoping not. He was eating great up until yesterday. I was afraid to try today since he doesn't look so good.
Thank you for your response

Fishies-for-me

Well at 3+ years he is an elderly old man...I am not sure how quick they can go downhill...but if something has been going wrong and it just built up to the point where it is affecting him I would think yes, they can seem fine one day and bad the next...so sorry ..hope he gets better...good luck.

pinkfloydpuffer

Sorry he's not feeling good. Is he still eating? I'd add some garlic juice to his water.

Alessa

If you are worried about the oxygen levels and dont have a bubbler, you can add a little real plant like anubias or java fern. Usually little tanks come with good lighting, and bettas tend to love real plants... I hope he gets better, good luck!

dinatwin

Thanks everyone. He's really not looking so good and I'm not sure how long he's going to make it. I just can't believe one day he is great and the next he looks like he's dying. He almost looks like he's blind too. If he moves he bumps into the tank like he can't even see. I tried giving him some food but he didn't even know it was there. I feel so bad for him

Phinny12

I am so sorry dinatwin...

pinkfloydpuffer

Oh, that's so sad. Best of luck to you

pamd

Do his eyes appear abnormal, such as cloudy? Here's a list of eye diseases, symptoms and treatments:

http://www.nationalfishpharm.com/fis...ases/eyes.html

It seems that blindness could be the cause of his lethargic behavior.

This is so sad.

Shawnie

Hi dina...3 is old for a betta..and my rafikki had no signs and just was gone one morning...I hope he does ok but be prepared as not many boys live to be 3...goodluck!

dinatwin

Thank you everyone for all your kindness. He's still hanging in there but I'm not sure for how much longer. To me his eyes almost look dilated. I know death is near. i can see it. I'm an RN and I see that look with people too. I know there is no comparison with people but it's hard to explain.
Thank you again for all you kindness.

isis

Aw I'm so sorry! I'm sure he had a wonderful life! you must have looked after him VERY WELL for him to live to this age! Well done!
We all understand how hard it is... they do become like real babies to us all. I'm sure that when he passes - if he passes - he will brag to all in the great tank above about how well you treated him.

shellbell4ever

I'm so sorry your guy isn't feeling well,But for you to have had him for 3 years is a great thing Good luck.

Lucy

I'm really sorry your boy isn't feeling well. It's really hard when you know something is wrong, but just can't put your finger on exactly what it is.
Don't you wish they could talk sometimes?

Best wishes for him, I hope he perks up soon.

Phinny12

It is really hard when you have had them a long time... I know.. Whatever happens 3 years is a good long time to have a Boy...you are a wonderfull Betta Mom dinatwin..keep us posted. What is his name?

COBettaCouple

I'm really sorry that your little guy isn't feeling well. Has there been any change the last couple days? Do you have: vita-chem, garlic guard and/or fish protector? Those daily after a 25% water change may help him feel more comfortable and if you can get some java moss, he would like that.

dinatwin

Thank you all for all your help. I really appreciated it very much.