New Betta

[lisie]

I got a new VT from the pet store yesterday that I knew wasn't looking too hot... just kind of staying at the bottom of the little bowl he was in. I felt bad for him so I took him home hoping that good water quality and room to swim around would perk him up. Well, I put him in a little one gallon to make sure he was okay before I put him in my divided 10... he just stayed on the bottom still. I figured I'd give him another day and see what happened because I really don't like giving fish meds unless its really necessary. Today he is swimming around a liiiittle bit more, but still staying on the bottom except to come up for air. When he does swim, though, he looks like he's having trouble keeping his "butt" even with his head... like he has to flap his tail like crazy to stay straight. Also, he's not eating.

I know this could probably be a lot of things, but does anyone have any ideas of what it might be, or suggestions of what meds to use?

Thanks, I really want to see this little boy make it.

ETA: His "breathing" also seems laboured.

 

[timmystood]

Swim Bladder?? - I don't really know i'm not very good with sickness and identifying it.

 

[catxx]

it does sound like swimbladder,
from http/www.bettatalk.com/betta_diseases.htm

SYMPTOMS:

Bettas with a swim bladder disorder will have difficulty swimming, because their swim bladder (located alongside the spine between the belly and the tail) is either too short (causing them to not be able to swim horizontally) or it is swollen (causing them to float on one side). Double Tail bettas, because they have a shorter body, are especially prone to the “floaters” problem. In the case of a short swim bladder, the bettas will not be able to maneuver and swimming becomes so difficult, they prefer to just lay at the bottom, sliding on their bellies, which is why they are called “belly sliders”. And they do look like a pathetic bunch, at that point.

TREATMENT:

Bettas may recover on their own, but since overfeeding induces swimbladder disorders in most cases, the first thing to do is feed a lot less. Brine shrimp and too much of it is the biggest culprit, so if your bettas are bellysliding, stop the brine shrimp for a while and thereafter learn to have a more balanced diet, alternating brine shrimp with microworms or worms (depending on how old your bettas are). Do not kill a betta with a swimbladder disorder. It may recover on its own at any time, and is not suffering. Further more, the ailment is NOT contagious. To help the fish if it cannot eat, lower the water level. Adding some BettaZing to the water for a few weeks may not hurt either .

 

[liz2]

heat his water...lower water level...and try not feeding him for a couple of days...might perk up but he is better with you than in lfs. good luck

 

[lisie]

I didn't even think of swim bladder. I just read up on it and it actually sounds like he has swim bladder due to constipation... I can tell you now he won't eat a pea, so should I try Epsom salt baths? Or should I just give him another day and see what happens?

Thanks for the replies!!

 

[timmystood]

OMG! It sounds like I guessed the right problem! And i've never had/seem or researched Swim Bladder!

 

[liz2]

clever clogs!

 

[lisie]

I gave him an Epsom Salt bath today. We'll see if it helps. *crosses fingers*

 

[lisie]

I never thought I'd be so happy to see betta poop. He's still acting a bit weird, but he's swimming around quite a bit more.

 

[wendywc]

Good luck to your rescue.

 

[jollysue]

Whoop!!pee!!

 

[liz2]

I dont think I have seen my bettas poo....they probably are very shy and go behind a plant. I hope your little one will be OK now!

 

[jollysue]

My new little celophane girl with blue/green fins pooed as soon as she got in her tank. She was swimming around with Zuni Warrior dancing on one side and Lips dancing on the other and poo hanging from her bottom.

 

[lisie]

Thanks everyone!!!

I dont think I have seen my bettas poo....they probably are very shy and go behind a plant.

I don't think I've ever seen one poop either... but I have this guy in a barebottom tank and the evidence is there sure enough.