Amanda

My oldest betta, Valient, has been laying on the gravel for the past 2 weeks or so. He will come to the surface to eat/breath, but immediately sinks back down to the gravel. Any ideas as to why? He's in a divided tank with 2 other males, they're both fine. Val will be have been with me 2 yrs., I bought him at Petsmart.

capekate

Ohh Amanda..
I am so sorry..
My Petsmart Betta's were in the two year range when I lost them pretty much the same way. When you consider the size they are in the store, I have to say they are no younger than six months and maybe up to a year old if they are the larger Bettas. Most Chain store betta's last about two to three years under the best conditions. Of course there are some that have lasted four and five years, Im just mentioning the average life span.So your little one may be onto three years old now.
If your water perimeters are fine, and there is no outward sign of any physical problems then your little guy is probably just old... and it may be his time soon to leave you...
Others will suggest different things to try and hopefully your little one will perk back up for you, my concern is that he has been like that for two weeks now. It reminds me of my own guys... and I tried everything I could.

Amanda

Yeah, I figured that it's old age. My other bettas that I've lost died of tumors that killed them quickly. This is the first time I'm witnessing old age in a betta. I just feel horrible, he just lays there on his side.

Shawnie

awww poor thing...im sorry amanda....get a breeder box or net to keep him close to the top ...if its age, keep him as happy as you can for however long he has left...he need to not struggle for the top...I hope things look better!!

capekate

I know Amanda...
My two boys went that way.. my two girls had tumors. All of them were over two years old and a few 2.5 years old.
Just keep him comfortable in his own home.. where he is secure and wont get stressed. When the time comes that he cant go to the surface for air you can put him in a smaller bowl or if you can lower the water to help him or put him into a breeder box, all may help. One day I went to the tank, and my boy was gone. Hopefully peaceful.. and with no disruptions.
I am so sorry... but it does sound like you have given Valient a wonderful long and happy life with you... now its his time to go in peace...

Martinismommy

Amanda, I'm sorry to hear this.....I know what you are seeing and feeling......Just make him comfortable for now...That's about all you can do...

Lucy

I sorry your boy isn't feeling well.
I wish you both the best.

Phinny12

I have had several very old Bettas.. and recently purchased an older Betta .. He is very pretty but you can see he is an old guy, shoved all the way in the back..I couldn't stand thinking what would become of him..anyway. my older Bettas all seemed to enjoy a large broadleaf silk plant to lounge on close to the surface so they didn't have to keep swimming to stay close to the top. Well Amanda it just proves that you have provided him with a clean ,safe environment and a long heathy life.

pinkfloydpuffer

My old boy Floyd would do that too. I think it's probably just Valient's age that's the problem. Poor little guy.

agabr123

i'm sorry to hear that

Amanda

I just fed the crew, lol, and Val ate like 5 pellets.
He seems to eat so well, sometimes at least, yet he's not active anymore.
It's sad.