Sick Betta?

[Shark Boy]

For the last few weeks, maybe a month at most my betta seems to have gotten incredibly lethargic. He spends most of his time sitting on the bottom of the tank, particularly under the filter.

I originally thought it might have had something to do with the recent heat we'd been experiencing here, but there's been no change since the weather has cooled some. And for the past week or so he's really off his food - he used to charge up to the surface as soon as food hit the water, but not anymore. Yesterday he even took to spitting his Hikari bio gold pellets back out of his mouth. Also, he hasn't blown a bubblenest at all during this time. Before, he would always have one.

I don't know whether age is a factor, I've had him about 9 months now although I have no idea how old he was when I got him. There are no other signs of anything being physically wrong with him, either.

In case it's of any use, he's all on his own in a 3 gallon tank and all water parameters are perfectly ok. So I'm at a complete loss.

Any ideas?

*Edit* I almost forgot, he won't even flare at his own reflection anymore. I tried with a mirror yesterday to see if it would maybe have some sort of effect on him, but nope. Nothing.

 

[Naughtygirlrlw]

It could be that he is an older betta. Have you tried offering him any treats?

 

[Shark Boy]

I gave him some bloodworm a few days ago, but he wasn't really interested. Now he's spending his time laid on top of the filter, on his side, so that he can just lie there and breathe from the surface. He's getting worse, I actually thought he was dead this morning and had to prod him gently to discover otherwise.

Should I try feeding peas, or something like that maybe?

 

[aquagirl]

Aww. That's too bad... I don't know what to tell you...
I don't tink peas would help much though....
Are there any physical things? Like... messed fins or anything like that?

 

[Alix]

you could try peas but they might not do it. try some salt too

 

[Shark Boy]

Nope, no other physical signs of anything being wrong. If he weren't just lying down, he'd look perfectly healthy. Can I use table salt, or does it need to be special aquarium salt? And how much?

 

[moeldner]

Sounds simliar to what I'm experiencing, mine seems to be on the mend though. See this thread:

http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=102284

 

[Booboo puppy]

Doc Wellfish's Aquarium Salt - 1 rounded Tablespoon for 5 gallons of water, used for general tonic and stress reducer

 

[Shark Boy]

Well, he's still alive. But worsening all the time. Tnoight I have noticed what I think is a lump growing underneath/behind his jaw, so I'm assuming this has something to do with it.

I've pretty much resigned myself to the fact he won't be with me for much longer.

 

[Shark Boy]

He died some time during the night. Thanks to those who offered their help.

 

[keith565]

Little man.
so sorry to hear the bad news. i have lots of fish and feel sad whenever i loose one.
you did all u could. best to go straight out and get another one, this will help aleviate some of the sadness.
good luck

 

[Naughtygirlrlw]

I am sorry for your loss...RIP lil' guy.

 

[Booboo puppy]

So sorry.

 

[FishEnthusiast]

It is hard to watch a beloved pet die. I am so sorry for your loss. Just remember you cared well for him while he was alive. He appreciated it I am sure.