I have a problem with my betta fish. i've been reading other answers but i'm still not sure.?

Question

My fish is blue but the tips of his fins are gradually turning white. he floats on the near the top of his bowl and on his side but when he swims he swims lopsidedly (if that makes any sense). He eats normally but his sides seem to stick out a little bit more than usual. I figured I'd get your guys' opinions before i did major research or spent a bunch of money. and my mom wanted to know if we could put him in the lake? not too sure about that [don't know why she said it] but yeah. if you have any knowledge about that thanks

Answer 1

i would suggest getting him a 2.5+ gallon filtered heated aquarium

it would not survive in a lake because bettas are tropical fish  

Answer 2

You absolutely cannot put him in a lake!  Not only is that illegal, it would kill him.

What size is the bowl?  Is it heated?  Bettas need temperatures of around 80 degrees to stay healthy since they're tropical fish.  How often do you clean it?

It sounds like he may be suffering from poor water quality and either overfeeding or possibly dropsy.  The lopsided swimming could also be form the poor water quality, which is causing a swim bladder problem.

Answer 3

DON'T PUT HIM IN A LAKE....one its illegal....and it wouldprobablyy kill him...not to be rude

if you are going to change his water acclimatee it...meaning put a little new water in at a time after you take one cup of old water in add some new water...he iprobablyly swimming lopsided cause of the lack of water quality..

It can also be overfeeding...or just old age

Answer 4

Can you answer a couple questions for me?

How many gallons is the bowl, what is the temperature of the water in his bowl, how often do you change his water, and are his scales sticking out a little when you look at him from the top?

Please never release pets into natural waterways, its extremely irresponsible and cruel. Its like releasing a poodle out into Yellowstone National Park and expecting it to hold its own against nature. Your betta was bred on a fish farm by people, its probably never seen a lake, pond, or rice paddy.

Answer 5

He is probably just getting old. Happens to every living thing. I dont think vets can treat fish, and lake water will kill your little guy. Good luck!