fbn

Sypmtoms: (betta fish)
Has bulges. Looks like he ate too much. I have fasted him for days and given peas. Constipation or overfeeding is not the problem.
Lays on the bottom of the tank on his side with his head pointing up.
If he were swimming and would just stop, his head would go up.

Other:
He eats fine.
His gills do NOT pinecone. Does that mean it is not dropsy?
He swims to the top for air and to eat.
There are no external signs of any sickness. The fins are fine and when he shows them they are colorful. He isn't dull in color That I know of.
The filter current is not strong at all either. Thanks!!

Oh, and could the bulges be some type of internal parasite??

Lucy

I moved your thread into the betta section where more betta parents can see it.
It really was ok in the diseases section but sometimes betta parents don't check that area of the forum.

I'm sorry your betta isn't feeling well.

It sounds like you're doing whats right for him.
Is he eating the peas? Pooing?
How long has he been like this?
Can you post a pic?
Is he still in with other fish? That's one of the problems with bettas in community tanks, they eat too much of whats not good for them.
When you say he's eating, is he eating only peas?

Parasites is a good possiblity but so is a swim bladder issue. The head pointing up is worrisome IMO.

Sorry for all the questions. let's see if we can get this figured out. I'm sure other members will be here shortly.

Shawnie

oh no!! what are the reading for ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates? if he is in the community tank, he could be stressed and not able to deal with tank mates... it sounded like overfeeding and in a community tank, its almost impossible not to as they will eat ALL food given....I would fast him for a few days, then slowly start with a pea twice a day the size of his eye...he needs either his own tank, or a breeder net so you can target feed him and not overfeed with the other fishies food ...I hope he gets better!

fbn

He is still with the other fish. He does not get picked on. So, it isn't stress I do not believe.
1. Yes, I never seem to see bettas that I have pooing. It seems like some fish you see doing it and others "hide behind a leaf" HAHA.
2. For maybe a month or a little more.
3. No, well maybe...I can try.
4. Yes, but I am feeding him betta fish food. It says that it is good for bettas and other small tropical fish. If it really is a problem with the food, I will get him a type of betta food that is better or something?? Any suggestions? oh, it is called tetra min tropical granules.http://images.google.com/imgres?imgu...6safe%3Dactive its in the 4 row.
4. He eats peas and betta pellets.

Shawnie

I have merged your posts as two arent needed for the same thing

fbn

Sorry Shawnie...It didn't show that I posted a question, so I asked it twice and just now realised I had asked the same thing twice....Sorry!

Oh, I have done the fast him and then feed him peas. It did not work. I fasted him for at least 3 days straight. Do you still think it is constipation or some parasite or something?

Shawnie

Dont be sorry..it happens to us all sometimes

fbn

Okay, so what am I supposed to do?
1. I feed him betta food all ready. Click on the link in one of my other posts. It is the granules. It says it is betta food.
2. I should be able to feed him regular betta food and give the other fish their food. The fish will eat their food very fast. The food that I feed them, is it not suitable for bettas? It says it is, but if it isn't and I need to switch I will.

Lucy

Thanks Shawnie, I forgot to ask about the water conditions.

When using peas and fasting for bloat he shouldn't have any other food...no pellets, blood worms, granual, flakes....nada nothing.
He might pout, but like kids, sometimes they don't know what's good for them.
Even if he's not getting picked on or picking on others doesn't mean he doesn't feel the stress of tank mates.

Fast for 2 days then a few bits of pea then fast again, see if that helps
I agree with Shawnie about him having a tank of his own epecially now since he's able to get to other food.

Goood luck, keep us up to date.

Shawnie

unless he is isolated, its IMPOSSIBLE to fast a betta in a community tank unless you are fasting the entire tank..they will and do find ways of getting everyones foods..even if its just the leftover ....

Martinismommy

It could be swim bladder..When he swims does he float to the bottom?

fbn

I did fast the whole tank. Oh, and Lucy I didn't feed any foods with the peas. Shawnie: the food that I am feeding is for bettas and tropical fish. That is what it says...Is this untrue? Thank you a lot Lucy and Shawnie. I will fast and give peas again. I do not have a test kit...This is no excuse, but I do do regular weekly water changes. Around 20%

No, he swims to the top. He doesn't float.

Lucy

It would be a good idea to get the water tested so that can be ruled out or corrected.

Thanks for the clarification on the food.
Bettas are carnivores, IMO do better with foods made just for them. Dried foods can sometimes cause bloat.

But, again, the fact that he's head up is concerning to me. I'm looking for an article I read that mentions this, but can't find it.
Is there a plant near the top he can rest on and be near the surface?

fbn

I do have plants, but I do not think that he will rest on them. He never rests anwhere else than on the rocks. So, what food would you recommend? Thank you for your help and looking. I am going to try and get a pic.

Martinismommy

There are different types of swim bladder..Not all fish with SBD float..Some sink to the bottom and lay on their side..

Lucy

I feed mine 3-4 pellets in the morning and 4-5 thawed frozen blood worms at night sometimes thawed frozen brine shrimp.
They get pea treats once a week to help keep things regular.

fbn

Okay, any specific brands or kinds of food?

martinismommy: Fish that I have seen with SBD pretty much cannot swim, if I am not mistaken. The betta can swim pretty good. I don't know what it is.


Lucy: The higher the fiber content the better for my betta? I have read in other posts you have said about using garlic for bettas. What is that for? I have never heard of it.

Lucy

My baby boy is getting Atison's and my older girls eat Hakari.
Here you go, this should help answer your questions:
Betta Care Guide