Worried.

[jenis]

Hey there,
I'm new here and have a question about the health of my beta, Oscar.
I got my first beta 5 years ago, sadly he passed away this passed July.
After the passing of my oldest I decided that I wouldn't get any more untill I knew I wouldn't be moving agian.
I have one beta left and I would like to know if his bloating is a result of over feeding. I was feeding my betas once a week or so, but now that I have one I feed him every couple of days.
I'm really worried about him.
Any info would help and I'd be very thankfull.
Thanks,
xx Jen.

Here is a photo.

 

[Leedsboi86]

Hiya

Are his scales sticking up abit like a pine cone?

It doesn't look like over feeding.

Any other info you can give us?
water temp etc?

 

[jenis]

Hiya

Are his scales sticking up abit like a pine cone?

It doesn't look like over feeding.

Any other info you can give us?
water temp etc?

Hi,
His scales don't seem to be sticking out, but his gils are.
His in a fish bowl so his water is room temp. It's more cold then warm, that's about the best I can do to describe
I'll try and get a pic of him face on.
Thanks for the reply.

 

[Leedsboi86]

Ok that rules out dropsey for the scales.

either of these 3 describe ur betta coindition

1) Betta may have clamped fins, lay at bottom or at surface, not eat, lose its color, turn gray, barely swim around. In more advanced cases, its body may start developing red patches, open sores and all kinds of nasty looking stuff. (Even holes in its head!! YIKES!!) Different bacteria affect fish differently. Some will attack the internal organs while others prefer to munch on the skin.

2) Bettas may or may not have slightly clamped fins, lay at bottom or at surface, not eat, barely swim around. They will not flare or build bubble nests.

3) One or both gills will not close all the way (look at betta from the top it is easier to see it then), gills may look red on the inside (inflamed) or not, in the last stages, the betta may be gasping for air, unable to breath

 

[jenis]

Okay, well he eats just fine and is very active so.. could be number three.. anyway to fix this?
He seems happy and normal.. he's just bloated.
He looks as if he is about to flare, but it stops there. He rarely flares.

Here are a few more pictures.

 

[*Fishkies*]

He might have the possibility of being constipated. Try feeding some de-shelled peas. This would releave some of his bloat problem If not consider a salt bath.

Exactly how many times a week do you feed him?
What do you feed?
Is there any way you could add a heater to keep his temperature more consistent? Depending where you live, there are some cheap small heaters out there.

 

[Leedsboi86]

I agree he does look constipated abit.

Is he poopin ok?

 

[devon_charm]

I would try the deshelled pea, make sure you mush it up well befor you give it to him then don't feed him the next day, if its bloat or constipation that should clear it. As for the gills pokin out the only time i have heard of this is when a betta has gill flukes but i'm not quite sure on the treatment for that.

He's a lovely betta by the way

 

[jenis]

Thanks very much for the info.
I'm about to give him the pea, I really haven't noticed his pooping.
I have been feeding him every other day, once a day. Just a tropical food flake made by TetraMin.
I'll for sure look around for a small heater the next time i'm in the city, cost isn't really a problem as long as he is healthy.
One question, he's in a small bowl though, do they make heaters for bowls or should I look for a new container for him?
I just recently set up my 10g tank for my neice. Got her some Childs (sp?) so I can't put him in there.
Thanks devon_charm! I think he's a beauty
Thanks agian for all the help!
xx Jen

 

[Leedsboi86]

You can actualy buy a panel heater.
I have one for ym females.

It's like a white heating mat but small about size of a credit card and that goes in tank for heat I find them really good and there perfect for bowls

 

[jenis]

You can actualy buy a panel heater.

I have never heard of these, sounds good though.
I'll have a look as soon as I get the city or Maine.
I don't live near any pet stores.. or much of anythng really
Thanks a bunch

 

[afishdude]

http/www.marinedepot.com/ps_AquariumPage...ters_hydor_mini

 

[Jaded12]

Does he have substrate in his bowl? (i.e. gravel etc.) if he does take it out, so u can really tell if he poops, give him the pea and then fast him for a few days keeping an eye on whether or not he's going to the bathroom. If hes using the bathroom normally and is still looking bloated like that the only other thing I could think of that would cause that swelling is a possible bacterial infection. Bacterial infections are easily treated with salt and tetracycline.

 

[jenis]

Okay so I checked in on Oscar today and took his rocks out.
I noticed that his scales are sticking out today, Leedsboi86 asked yesterday if they were and I said no.
Now I'm super worried.. what could this mean?
I also didn't see any poo.
I took a better picture, here it is.

EDIT:

 

[devon_charm]

I'm affraid fat belly and pineconing scales is usually only one thing and thats Dropsy. What i suggest is you go and get treatment for him but sadly most of the time the lil guys don't get through it. There has been cases though where they have made a full recovery so there is hope and i could be and hopefully am wrong.

I have fingers crossed for you