My betta fish is sick! Please help!?

Question

My betta fish is only a few months old. Usually he is very spunky and energetic. Lately, he has been very lethargic, staying near his heater or hiding inside his house. His belly looks a tad bit swollen, so I looked around and thought he might be constipated. I tried feeding him a pea, but he won't eat it. I have given him 2 epsom salt baths, and no avail. His water levels are all very good, my other fish is perfectly fine. The temperature stays around 77 degrees... I don't know what else to do!!!!!

Any suggestions??

Answer 1

Could your fish merely be well fed yet slightly....bored? My betta was a spunky little dude when I first got him but after a few months of swimming around in a ten gallon tank all by himself he quit patrolling, he stopped flaring at himself in the mirror, the only time he came out of his little log was to eat, and the most interest he'd displayed in months was when I dropped a few plant bulbs into the tank. He was healthy, perfectly warm and had nice water levels, but I believe he was bored out of his gourd. I got 3 corydoras catfish, added them in, and my betta started looking like his old self. I plan on adding a few more friends for him and I hope that'll make him even happier. Try giving him something to play with or adding a new fish, if its possible. Just something to stimulate his little brain. You have to think, these guys are descended from the survivors of rice paddies where there was almost always something to do or see. Maybe some bettas just need a little excitement.

Answer 2

if his stomach is "dropsy" he may have aeromonas, Pseudomonas..does he have ulcers, tail rot, bulging eyes, red skin/fins...if so that may be your problem.. u have to isolate him and add anti-bacteria or: Melafix, Fungus clear, E.M tablets, Maracyn..and other things...but i am not entirelly sure..ask petco or something?