Swim bladder?

[tekknocolor]

I saved a betta from Wal-Mart about a week (week and 1/2) and he seems to be struggling. I know for a fact he had fin rot when I got him, but I wanted to be a hero or something. Anyway, he's getting over fin rot at the moment, but still seems to be struggling with his swimming. He has this little tree/plant that he sits in all day (seems to be his favorite place since he can perch and doesn't have to swim far for fresh air). For some reason he seems to keep swimming vertical (head at top when going up for air and head first when going to the bottom of the tank) and lays on the bottom of the tank on the gravel/pebbles when he does go to the bottom. When his food falls to the gravel he seems to be laying on his side and then reaches over with his head to get to the fallen food if it's not in front of him. Is he just lazy or could this be a swim bladder infection? He is getting more active as his fin rot goes away, but still swims crazily. I've given him a pea and fasted him, but he seems to keep swimming all crazy still. Any suggestions? I'm all out of ideas as to what could be his problem. I thought the reason he was sitting on his side a lot was because he was in one of those tiny, stupid cups and hadn't been able to develop his muscles, but now I'm starting to worry.

 

[stewartsthebest]

hmm, im not the expert but maybe you should wait a little bit longer before giving him any medicine or anything, he might just be a little depressed like my fish was at first, try putting a mirror near the tank to see if he perks up any hope he feels better

 

[tekknocolor]

I placed a mirror in front of him and he gets all psychotic like and starts flaring at whatever comes near the tank after the mirror is taken away. Maybe it's just the way he is... I have no idea... I wasn't planning on medicating him until I knew for certain.

 

[cutecotton]

try keeping up with a fasting problem, though sometimes a swim bladder rpoblem can be permenant and can't be cured no matter how mnay peas you feed your betta.

I would keep him the pea and fast diet for about a weet or so, do you have any "stress coat" medication? yoru betta coudl be stressed from fighting all the finrot and stuff. The stress coat could help him recover.

 

[tekknocolor]

I've been putting a little stress coat in along with the medication, but honestly the medication seems to be making him even more perky, probably because he feels better. I think I'm just going to lay off any sort of meds until he is completely healed from fin rot and then fast him again and see where that goes.

Thanks for all the advice! I was just wondering if anyone else has encountered this problem, if it's even a problem. I'll let you guys know as he progresses toward wellness.

THANKS!

leigh ann

 

[lookbusy]

try keeping up with a fasting problem, though sometimes a swim bladder rpoblem can be permenant and can't be cured no matter how mnay peas you feed your betta.

I would keep him the pea and fast diet for about a weet or so, do you have any "stress coat" medication? yoru betta coudl be stressed from fighting all the finrot and stuff. The stress coat could help him recover.

When you say "pea" , do you mean like a frozen pea? Or is this some fishy term I've never seen before?

I'm new too, and trying to figure out this same problem.

TIA

 

[jacblades]

yes-a thawed crushed frozen pea. it helps clean them out and work as a laxative.

 

[lookbusy]

Thanks!! I've been pondering that for days. I'll give this a try and see if it helps mine. I'm glad I found this place.

 

[rykitten]

Tekkno, my Otis has the exact same problem. You described it very well. I got really worried last week because it seemed like he wanted to go down but couldn't. I fed him mushed pea which he refused, so then I fasted him for 2 days. I also treated with Bettamax. He was swimming lopsided and bobbing at the surface.

Have you noticed if you betta has fin trouble? The reason I ask is because Otis has a retarded fin. I think he is not of the best stock. How do his fins look?