Betta fish lying on its side at bottom of tank ‘breathing’ heavly

[PaigeTheFishKeeper]

I don’t know what to do at this point. My poor fish lives in a 10 gallon tank with a heater, filter and live plants. He’s been laying on his side for the last two days. He is around three years old. His fish pellets are blood worms and Spectrum pellets. Before he was able to swim ‘ok’ but every day he’s getting worse and worse. He try’s to be responsive, jolting when Tried to lightly tap him with my net (I thought he was dead but I saw him heavly breathing when he jolted) it seems he can’t swim either. Help ASAP

 

[Briggan]

Are there any tank mates? Have there been any recent water changes where the temp may have been too far off or the water was not dechlorinated? Have you checked to see if your water levels are off?
some bettas simply do not live long and may have other health issues. My oldest betta Aztec of about 5 years spends most of his day laying on his bridge and he does jolt up if you surprise him with a tap on the glass, although your fish looks to be struggling..
I hope someone can answer exactly what is wrong with him

 

[Retired Viking]

I would do a 75% water change and vacuum the gravel right away. Have you tested your water lately for ammonia?

 

[Dyood]

From the picture its hard to tell, but have you had a look at him, see any signs off rot or swim bladder.

Check for ammonia and do a 75% water change ASAP as this should help reduce anything wrong in the water that could be making him sick.

Clean the substrate, by vacuuming.

It could just be his age some don't live that long or a health issue that he could have caught

 

[Retired Viking]

3 years is the average life span for Betta with some lasting up to 5 years. My last one made it just over 4 years. I hope the water change will help.

 

[JuiceBox52]

What are your ammonia, nitrite and nitrate levels?