I have a sick beta fish, what do I do?

Question

He seems to be on his side. It appears that he is dead but i can see him breathing, so i know he is alive and he seems to only be able to swim on his side. Whats wrong with him and how do I treat him?

Answer 1

betas are only sopposed to live a year and once i had one that lived a year but then just kinda breathed and floted for 2 more years. just flush him and end it!

Answer 2

Wow Beta's are usually strong fish ..I would but him in a cup of water or a small glass bowl and take him to Pet Smart or some Pet store to see what they can tell you.   I think it's going to die. Something might have been in the water...or you over feed it.

Answer 3

does he also have loss in colouration?

It seems you have a very stressed out betta. He might also have some swim bladder issues... try doing a small water change, no more then 1/3 and try doing it without disturbing him too much...

Answer 4

Sadly, he may die in the next couple of days.

My pet Beta was exactly like that when he was in a fight with another fish (my brother's shark. I did not want them in the same tank, mind you). He died two or three days afterward.

If you vet handles fish, bring him in.

Good luck!

Answer 5

If he can only swim on his side it might be swim bladder disorder. If you shell a pea and break it into little pieces and feed it to him, this should help. Feed him 1 pea a day and he should get better.