Any ideas?

[Sorrell]

I picked up a VT at wally world two days ago because he had his mouth stuck open. Anyone have any ideas how to fix this? I know I've heard people talk about this before, but I've never dealt with it first hand

 

[mrplaty]

im not sure if it can be treated or whether it is just a deformity??

 

[WILDER]

I bought some harlequins and they had there mouths stuck oipen, sadly they died, i don't think there is a cure.

 

[RandomWiktor]

Sounds like a deformity or injury. I'd say there's probably no way you could fix it (sorry). Is he at all able to eat? That will be the determining factor in his fate. Since he can't chew, maybe try soft foods like pre-soaked pellets, flakes, or blood worms?

 

[Sorrell]

I haven't tried feeding him yet, I got him Tuesday night, my adults fasted yesterday and today we haven't had breakfast yet but I agree that will determine a lot.

He's in a cup while I monitered what I wanted to do with him, seeing how easily he can make it to the surface and such. This is either something that doesn't bother him much or it's recent because the rest of him is in excellent condition, nice finnage and clean body.

 

[RandomWiktor]

Well, thats a promising sign; maybe he's capable of eating still despite his funny mouth. Does he look to be done growing as well? My goldfish has a jaw deformity that has worsened as he aged, and we may have to euthanize him, though his problem is the opposite of yours (can barely open his mouth).

 

[Sorrell]

He looks about full grown We'll see, i'm heading out to cater to the masses right now

 

[Kara101584]

One of my guys had his mouth stuck open, it was caused from him flaring too much. I had tried him in a 2.5G with a clear divider and he flared like crazy at the other guy,causeing some tissue damage and swelling. He's now in his own 2.5G and his mouth cleared up in about a week with some clean water and aquarium salt.

 

[bkk_group]

One of my guys had his mouth stuck open, it was caused from him flaring too much. I had tried him in a 2.5G with a clear divider and he flared like crazy at the other guy,causeing some tissue damage and swelling. He's now in his own 2.5G and his mouth cleared up in about a week with some clean water and aquarium salt.

i don't think flaring per say is the cause of "open mouth". flaring at another betta through clear dividers can cause this though. mouth damage occurs when the fish hits the divider too many times, much like getting punched in the mouth. blown gills (one or both gill covers stick out) can occur as well though.

 

[OohFeeshy]

If it really doesn't get better with nice clean water etc. you could go in for a closer look. Try something like laying him on a damp towel and using a magnifying glass, it might be something you can treat. Stressful maybe, but its better to look than to have to euthanise him later.

 

[Sorrell]

well, he ate breakfast so I got a tank ready for him, he'll move this afternoon

 

[slamster17]

i dont think there is anything you can do about it i had 20 imbellis fry left and now i have 3 because of the lockjaw problem, they couldnot eat as much as they tried and they eventually died or i culled them

 

[Sorrell]

i had to bump this because I have good news His mouth is still open a little bit, but it actually looks pretty normal now He's been real active and flaring at his neighbors and all

Silver man, that stuff is a godsend

 

[Kiarra]

I'm so glad he's doing better. But, since he was eating, his prognosis was pretty good. It's when they CAN'T eat that they usually die.

 

[Joby]

Aww good to hear he's getting better