Betta Is In Bad Condition

About three years ago or so I purchased a betta. He was very happy and active for about 2 years but then he quickly declined. I wasn't in the fish hobby yet so I just assumed he might be getting old but now I realize that he probably was sick or something. He almost never moves unless something accidentally jostles him, he lays on his side, and he refuses to eat. He's been like this for about a year and I honestly think he's just ready to be done.

Has anyone heard of any sort of sickness that would make my betta so lifeless? If so, what sort treatment would be needed?

Otherwise, I've recently discovered that humane euthanasia is available for fish. He really doesn't have any quality of life anymore and if there's no way to help him, I think it would be best for him to peacefully pass. What are good/approved/humane ways to do this?

 

I take it there is filter/pump in the tank and good flow? You could try metroplex may be internal parasites/worms if its slowly declined and now stoped eating. It can be absorbed without the fish eating it

 

I take it there is filter/pump in the tank and good flow? You could try metroplex may be internal parasites/worms if its slowly declined and now stoped eating. It can be absorbed without the fish eating it

Yup! His tank has a good filter going for him, tragically all he does is hide behind it... I'll certainly look into metroplex. His decline was pretty quick but has stayed the same now for a while. I hope that could renew his spirits!

 

How often do you change your water? May also be build up of nitrates, may need to do water changes more often, are other fish in the tank doing fine?

 

How often do you change your water? May also be build up of nitrates, may need to do water changes more often, are other fish in the tank doing fine?

I change his water weekly or every week and a half. I'll definitely check the nitrate level! He is alone in his tank.

 

What are the exact ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels? What size is his tank and is it heated?

 

Bettas don't like too strong currents, maybe you could try to put a sponge or something in front of the pump so that the current becomes less tiring for him to swim in?

 

It could be that he has swim bladder disease also. Do you have pictures? Maybe we can see something on the photos to help.

As far as euthanasia goes. It really is the only option in some cases. Clove bud oil is very easy to use and they go off to sleep. So it is definitely a viable option.

Before any meds I would increase your water changes. Do a 25-30% water change every other day for the next 10 days. See if he perks up. Sometimes it is just the water quality that is the problem. Bettas are relatively hearty fish, but high nitrates will make them lethargic for sure.

Also is your tank heated, filtered, cycled? Make sure the tank temp is around 80. Lower temps will make them sick and lethargic.


Lots of things to consider, before I would euthanize.

 

Thank you all for trying to help but unfortunately my betta passed away earlier today.

 

It is to be regretted that he should have died. He must be have a lot to thank you for your care.

 

I am so sorry for your loss.

 

I am so sorry.

 

I'm so sorry ...... Betta only live 3-5 yrs . so it might not have been your fault. Still I'm really sorry my platy died recently too so I know little about it.

 

I'm so sorry you lost him. Sometimes bettas unfortunately deteriorate for reasons we sometimes don't know. Especially the long finned bettas. Swim in peace, little buddy.

 

I'm sorry for your loss

 

I'm sorry for your loss. It sounded like you took good care of him. If you got him from a big box store then you are lucky he lived that long, because they are often inbred.

 

Sorry for your loss.