Betta Acting Funny

[fugi14]

My beautiful Plakat male that I rescued is acting strange. I have had him for about a month and he has seemed fine until jsut yesterday. I gave him some flakes and watched while he ate them. We went at them like a shark, but as soon as he had it in his mouth he spat it right back out. I tried a single pellet and he once again attacked it, but then spat it back out. Today, he just looked sort of off color I guess and he just drifted around. He wouldn't even look at the food. Then I had to do a water exchange because his tank water was filthy, so I did. When he had clean water again, he just drifted to the bottom and only comes up for air. I am really worried. Is something wrong or is it just stress from the water exchange?

 

[lisa_perry75]

You did use de-chlorinator?? Maybe he's stressed from bad water conditions? Sometimes they spit out food if they can't quite swallow it whole. Try some bloodworm, I'm sure he'll gulp it right down

 

[matty101]

grind up his pellets in half..not powder-ish but smaller...hope hes ok

 

[fugi14]

Yes, I did use the de-chlorinater. I will try the slightly mashed up pellets first and then I will try the bloodworms. I will keep you posted.

 

[jollysue]

To be honest, I would first fast him a day or so and then try some daphnia or smashed pea. He could be constipated and also a little ill from bad water. My first suspicion is always constipation. Bettas are eager overeaters and so prone to it. A fast day a week is standard. Also daphnia or pea in the diet weekly.

Is he at all blotted or poochy looking?