I have a 2 1/2 year old Betta (male), he seems to be having difficulty breathing?

Question

I noticed tonight that he was not very active. He was laying on one of the artificial plants that float on the top of the water. When he gets off of the plant and begins to swim, it is like he can not stay at the top of the tank, also he is breathing more, and the flaps at the side of his head are opening and closing and large bubbles are coming out. To me it seems like he is not getting enough air.

What can I do to help him?

Is it his water, I did just change it, about 3 days ago, he is not eating either, he is spending most of his time on the floating plant. He is not swimming properly at all.

What can I do?

Answer 1

Mine has similar problems! Read my question for a description.

Is the water temperature right?

Answer 2

you should enjoy the time you had with your betta. 2 1/2 yrs. is a very long time. in the wild they live 10 months. in captivity average is 1 to 1 1/2 years. I am sorry but your betta is an old man. do what you can for him and make him comfortable. good luck. you did everything right if he lived that long and you should be proud of that. good luck and don't give up if your fish passes. you did good and should keep doing the things you are good at.

Answer 3

you can always get a pump to get more oxygen into the water, but other than that you cant do much for a fish. best of luck for your fish.

Answer 4

I have a feeling that water may not be good for it. Maybe the chemicals are too much in the water. or something maybe in the water.