Betta Dying Of Old Age

HI everyone,
I rescued a beautiful crowntail Betta from a grocery store years ago (he was marked on clearance!!) I got him set up in a proper aquarium and he thrived. Now he is turning 6 years old in a few months. He has been showing his age for a few years now - he stopped making bubble nests 2-3 years ago, he stopped flaring up about a year ago, and he's been "balding" (losing his spikes) for a while, and he is not quite as vibrantly blue and red as he used to be. He has been sleeping most of the day, waking up to eat and wander his tank. This past week, he has been super lethargic and will not even eat now. His spikes are almost completely gone. I believe he is now dying of old age. I know he has lived a long and good life but I am very sad to see him go. Is there anything I can do to get him to eat or at least make him more comfortable in his last few days or weeks?

 

HI everyone,
I rescued a beautiful crowntail Betta from a grocery store years ago (he was marked on clearance!!) I got him set up in a proper aquarium and he thrived. Now he is turning 6 years old in a few months. He has been showing his age for a few years now - he stopped making bubble nests 2-3 years ago, he stopped flaring up about a year ago, and he's been "balding" (losing his spikes) for a while, and he is not quite as vibrantly blue and red as he used to be. He has been sleeping most of the day, waking up to eat and wander his tank. This past week, he has been super lethargic and will not even eat now. His spikes are almost completely gone. I believe he is now dying of old age. I know he has lived a long and good life but I am very sad to see him go. Is there anything I can do to get him to eat or at least make him more comfortable in his last few days or weeks?

Bettas really love driftwood and almond leaves, or you could get live plants if you don't already, and they love hiding places. He would love live food, too. Such an old age ):

 

HI everyone,
I rescued a beautiful crowntail Betta from a grocery store years ago (he was marked on clearance!!) I got him set up in a proper aquarium and he thrived. Now he is turning 6 years old in a few months. He has been showing his age for a few years now - he stopped making bubble nests 2-3 years ago, he stopped flaring up about a year ago, and he's been "balding" (losing his spikes) for a while, and he is not quite as vibrantly blue and red as he used to be. He has been sleeping most of the day, waking up to eat and wander his tank. This past week, he has been super lethargic and will not even eat now. His spikes are almost completely gone. I believe he is now dying of old age. I know he has lived a long and good life but I am very sad to see him go. Is there anything I can do to get him to eat or at least make him more comfortable in his last few days or weeks?

That is wonderful that you were able to give him such a long, healthy life!

I haven't tried it myself, but I've learned around here that garlic is an appetite stimulant, so you could try soaking his food in it and see if that encourages him to eat.

I don't think I would add driftwood or anything else new that could alter the PH of the water. You don't want to stress him out when he's already not feeling well.

 

Poor old guy, you must have taken very good care of him for him to have reached such a ripe old age. I hope they treat him as well in fishy heaven as you have when his time finally comes

I'd try the garlic trick, as heeerefishyfishy suggested, or maybe HikarI Betta Bio Gold which already has garlic in it. If that doesn't work, maybe live food such as brine shrimp as Planted Aquatics suggested.

 

I'm sorry about your betta. He loved to live in your care.

 

That is a good age - most Bettas don't get to live that long. You have taken good care of him.
He will probably want to eat less, so be careful you don't overfeed. It's a tough time, but you really did well by him.
I have had a couple of Bettas get to the six/seven age range, and they just kind of peacefully fade. There isn't much you can do, I'm sorry to say.

 

I am very sorry for your betta but I am sure that he will remember that when his time comes that he will know that he was saved from a grocery store and was then taken care of by a really nice person who atchaully cared for him and he will also know that he had a great life with someone he really loved sorry for your fish again but I'm sure he is happy for what you have done for him

 

Thanks everyone, I will try the garlic trick to see if that will get him to eat. He seemed perked up this evening but still wasn't eating. I hope he gets back to his old self soon but I know if it's his time he has lived a good long life. Thanks all