Constipated Betta?

[baz_78]

My Betta has a ‘bulge’ towards the back of his body that I’m worried may be constipation - circled in the pic.

He’s in a 5g tank on his own which is planted, heated and filtered. All the tank stats appear normal indicating it had cycled ok. His behaviour looks normal - playing in the plants, resting at the top of the tank or behind plants and getting excited when I go near the tank.

It’s worrying me as I’ve not seen any poop in the tank in the time he’s been in. Am I worrying over nothing or should I be taking any action? I haven’t fed him today to see if this helps.

Thanks in advance for any help you can offer.
Barry

 

[Demeter32]

Looks pretty normal to me. Is the "bulge" the same on the other side? Also, don't be worried about not seeing any poo. I very rarely see betta poo in any of my tanks. I assume it either gets sucked up the filter or it decomposed already.

 

[betta fish]

I believe that is the swim bladder? I have also noticed it is more apparent in bettas than other fish, he looks good to me, like the tank

 

[baz_78]

The ‘bulge’ is he same size on both sides. Thanks for the feedback, it’s put my mind at ease a lot!!

Appreciate the thoughts on the tank too, what decorations do you guys have as I’d love to give the fella somewhere to hide/play and grow some of the plants from but can’t decide what would look best! Looking for inspiration...

Thanks,
Barry

 

[NickAu]

He looks good to me,

I believe that is the swim bladder?

BB is correct. Its more prominent in Bettas with big fins.

 

[Demeter32]

I think the bulge you are seeing is just his spine and/or swim bladder. Many a male betta with a large tail will have that slightly odd bump on both sides. Just google some pictures of other halfmoon bettas and I bet you will see many with it.