Betta Got Swollen Belly Why?

[Gold-Fisher]

He only eats when the peas are held in the fingers, even though I made him fast for almost a day belly still the same.

 

[Syphoniera]

He only eats when the peas are held in the fingers, even though I made him fast for almost a day belly still the same.

Sorry to hear that, Gold-Fisher - has he had several days of actually eating peas, cut or nipped into betta bite-sized pieces? They do have a laxative effect.

Does he have a problem getting down to pick up food from the bottom when it falls?

Have you tried the epsom salts, mixed up with water in a container and added to his tank?
You should be able to get them off the shelf from any drug store, they're not expensive, and they do encourage the absorption of moisture and pooping in Bettas.

This is important and time is of the essence as he'll be building up toxins, from retained wastes and opportunistic internally dwelling organisms which propagate under such circumstances..

If peas and epsom salts don't work, there may may something more than simple constipation going on.

Have you found any poop, or noticed him going? When was the last time?

Any white, stringy poop at any time?

I don't remember for sure from your previous posts, but I believe your betta does have a heater, doesn't he?

This has been going on for some time - make certain you get epsom salts and hand-feed him eye-sized bits of peas if necessary.

Is there anything unusual in his behaviour or appearance, particularly any recent changes?

What about that spot he had - did it look like ich, was it white?

Is it still there, or does he have have more, or show any sign of itching, flicking, skin irritation?

Because you need to get the constipation cleared up and any ich the instant any such problems manifest, because either can kill him and fish suffer pain, misery, and illness just as we do.
But they're helpless and they need us to act promptly and in their best interests.

Just as we'd hope for prompt help if we were sick, helpless - and utterly dependent, as are they.

Almost forgot - what about that swelling he had behind his head?
Does he still have that?
If so, could we get some details?
Hang in there, you'll make him better.

 

[Gold-Fisher]

Hes normal in every way, except for the belly, spot is still the same, havent tried epsom slats yet, havent seen him poop, nor have I seen the other betta ever poop.

 

[SharonCC]

I've found it best to fast for at least three days, and then feed peas. Then peas, once a week to prevent constippation. I have found that a varied diet of flakes, pellets, bloodworm, mysis shrimp, and brine shrimp will help to avoid constipation.

 

[Syphoniera]

Hi, guys,

granted I know nothing and merely repeat 'what friends have told me' and what's worked for me in the past.
But this has been going for a week or more, and I'd be getting pretty concerned...
I've heard - and used - these remedies, in this instance recommendations taken from this very site, before, and will repeat again a portion of what was quoted earlier above:


http/www.fishforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=9654&start=30

Constipation
Symptoms:
Slightly large abdomen, no feces are excreted.

...

Treatment:
Green peas are recommended as they serve as a laxative allowing the fish to excrete their wastes blocked inside their bodies. Always remove the shell and if intended to be fed on fish with small mouth, mash the peas to smaller pieces.

Another alternative is the use of half a level teaspoon magnesium sulfates (Epsom salts) per 4.5 liters. If the fish recovers, improve its diet and change feeding routine.

(End of quote.)

In this case, I wouldn't wait, but go for the recommended laxatives - bite-sized pea bits and magnesium salts separately mixed in a container and added to the fish's water.
And if no poop is ever found in either betta's tank, I'd do it with both or at least the pea treatment, (which most of us feed weekly on a regular basis anyway) even if no swelling is noticeable on the other betta.

I don't know if Gold-Fisher is somewhere Epsom salts are difficult to obtain, but they ought (I hope) to be pretty much universal, as also used for soaking sore/swollen feet/adding to the bath, etc. - and they work.

Poor Gold-Fisher must be nearly as frantic as the fish by now...
And we still don't know what the spot on the fin - which could be anything from a colouration change to ich or fin-rot - looks like, what colour it is, or what it is...

 

[Gold-Fisher]

Thanks the pea diet combined iwth fasting has helped, belly has gone down quite a bit, but now something has gone wrong with its fin on top, have doen seperate topic on that.