My fish is dying Please help

Today my fish has been in the corner. I thought he was just resting, and went on with my day. Now, i went to check on him and he won’t move, he’s staying still. This is abnormal behavior for him, he’s always active. I’ve had him for three years and a half. When I got him, he was full size though ( didn’t know how old he was)…. This just happened today. Is there anyway to save him???? Is this from old age???? Please PLEASE help me. I’m in tears.

My betta fish is not active today. He hasn’t moved at all. I first found him on the bottom corner where the thermometer is. I thought he was resting. I didn’t know there was a problem occurring. This was earlier in the day. Now, after dinner I went to check on him, and he was still staying still, I touched him and he moved, now he’s staying still on the top corner of the tank. He’s not moving. I’ve had him for three years and a half. When I bought him, he was full grown as he is now. So I don’t know how old he was. Is my fish dying from old age? This just happened today. If he’s dying how can I comfort him until he passes. If he’s not dying how can I save his life? Please help him. I’m in tears and I don’t know what to do. (Note I tried to feed him and he would flinch for the food) thank you to those who took the time to read my thread.
Wouldn’t flinch for the food**
Notes to save some time: his water temperature is normal, he’s never been over fed, his tank is not dirty, a water change had been done a week ago.

 

I think he might just be dying from old age . He should be around 4-4.5 years old looking at how long you had him. He is considered very old for a betta already. Good job on taking care of him.

Just to be careful, can you fill in the emergency template?

The template (Just copy it and fill it in pls):

Tank
What is the water volume of the tank?
How long has the tank been running?
Does it have a filter?
Does it have a heater?
What is the water temperature?
What is the entire stocking of this tank? (Please list all fish and inverts.)

Maintenance
How often do you change the water?
How much of the water do you change?
What do you use to treat your water?
Do you vacuum the substrate or just the water?

*Parameters - Very Important
Did you cycle your tank before adding fish?
What do you use to test the water?
What are your parameters? We need to know the exact numbers, not just “fine” or “safe”.
Ammonia:
Nitrite:
Nitrate:
pH:

Feeding
How often do you feed your fish?
How much do you feed your fish?
What brand of food do you feed your fish?
Do you feed frozen?
Do you feed freeze-dried foods?

Illness & Symptoms
How long have you had this fish?
How long ago did you first notice these symptoms?
In a few words, can you explain the symptoms?
Have you started any treatment for the illness?
Was your fish physically ill or injured upon purchase?
How has its behavior and appearance changed, if at all?

Explain your emergency situation in detail.
(Please give a clear explanation of what is going on, include details from the beginning of the illness leading up to now)

Include pictures

 

Hi linn,

So sorry that your fin baby is not doing well. Three and a half years is definitely a really good run for a betta fish. He is a senior citizen betta at this point. The average life span of a betta is 3 years. You have done a great job taking care of him!

I would just do some small daily water changes to keep the water pristine and to keep him comfortable.

 

Hi linn,

So sorry that your fin baby is not doing well. Three and a half years is definitely a really good run for a betta fish. He is a senior citizen betta at this point. The average life span of a betta is 3 years. You have done a great job taking care of him!

I would just do some small daily water changes to keep the water pristine and to keep him comfortable.

Thanks for responding. I wish he would eat food. I tried feeding and the food was right by his mouth and he wouldn’t take it. I saw his eyes look at it but he’s not moving. I don’t want him hungry
Also, should I lower the water so swimming up for air is easier? Thank you to the responses, I really do feel in my heart that Ive done my best. I love him so much, and he brought me so much joy in my difficult life. My birthday is on Monday, and this is such a sad time for me. I’ve been crying non stop. I just want him very comfortable while he passes.

 

So, so sorry that you are going through this!!!!

Yes, you can lower the water level to make it easier for him to get to the top for air. If you have something for him to lay on at the top, that would be great - plant or betta hammock or floating betta log - so he can rest.

They often stop eating when they don't feel well. This is normal behavior. They can go for long periods of time without food, something like 14 days or so. I don't think that he will starve. If he gets hungry, he will eat.

I know it's hard to lose a betta. They are so personable and lovely!

When it's time, I hope he passes peacefully. Again, you have done a great job, and given him a wonderful little betta life!