How do you tell the difference

[Durbkat]

I have a betta that he either is fat or is constipated, how do I tell the difference? And unfortuantly I don't have a digital camera so sorry.

 

[The ultimate_fish MaC dAddY]

give us a pic of it, then maybe we can tell

Sorry, didn't know you didn't have a digital camera. take a picture of it, then scan it and put it on here.

 

[red-devil0602]

check the bottom of the tank for poop

 

[Durbkat]

And unfortuantly I don't have a digital camera so sorry.

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I don't have a camera. Any other way to tell?

 

[Durbkat]

Yes their is alot of poop turds in their So does that mean he is just fat?

 

[RandomWiktor]

If he got "fat" overnight, then he is constipated, especially if he is also pale, lethargic, hanging out near the bottom/top of the water, or disinterested in food.

If he has always been a bit on the "large and in charge" side, he is probably just fat. Which, isn't good for him and might just lead to being constipated, so cut back on his feedings.

 

[Durbkat]

No he has looked like this for a few weeks and I thought I might just ask. And I only feed him 2 of those betta granules a day. Is that to much? Because thats what I feed my other betta and he isn't fat. But this betta does spend alot of time on the top when the tank light is on and sometimes when its off what does that mean?

 

[Andie]

But this betta does spend alot of time on the top when the tank light is on and sometimes when its off what does that mean?

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That he likes the top of the tank?

My boy loves it up there too; after all, they breathe from the surface as well as through their gills. Plus, Fiyero is working on a new nest, so he has to hang around to keep an eye on it

Don't sweat it; long-finned bettas aren't exactly the most energetic fish, since they have all that weight to carry. If your boy has a favourite spot, then good for him. It's when it seems like he can't get down to the bottom of the tank at all (or when a betta at the bottom can't seem to get up) that you might want to worry a bit. Otherwise, just embrace his preferences

 

[Durbkat]

Now he looks bad, because he is sitting at the top for hours at a time doesn't move or he will sit at the bottom for hours at a time and seems like he has to use his whole body to get to the top or the same way to get down. I think I will hive him a pea and see what that does. I'll let you all know how hes doing in a few days.