Betta question: Fungal infection? Funny coloured gills? Help! Picture included!!?

Question

Im babysitting a fish. I know hes extremely discoloured, has stress lines, and has overall had a stressful life. Dispite what I tell her, he lives in a tiny 1/2 gallon tank. He was fine a few days ago, then seemed sick and stressed. He wouldnt eat. I added some aquarium salt a few days ago, and he perked up. Today, I noticed some funny colours on his gills. Is this a disease? ( I know hes getting pretty old too)

I have a picture, any suggestions on what it might be?

She would be devistated if her fish died while she was away, and I would feel so guilty if he died while I had him. I need him to get better.

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n66/Anythiing/IMG_8080.jpg

Answer 1

Question: Why would you put salt into the tank for the betta? This is a freshwater fish. What other things have you added to the water?

Bettas tend to be very hardy fish. They do not require lots of water since they breath out of air. 1/2 gallon is fine for bettas. They can live from 2-4 years. Feeding a betta only requires a few pellets of food.

The picture is very hard to tell what colours are on it. I would suggest going to a pet store and asking for advice.