Betta Having Problems Swimming

[Lizzie71]

I have two bettas in a divided tank - it is a 8 gallon tank, so about 4 gallons each fish. The tank is heated and filtered. Fish have been in there for about 7 months, no previous problems except slight finrot when I bought one of them.

Only tank mates are 4 amano shrimp, 2 on each side of the divide.

One of the bettas appears to be having difficulty swimming. He mainly rests at the bottom, and can only swim at the top with difficulty. He appears to be eating, but is really struggling to swim.

Any advice? Or is he on his way out?

 

[minxfishy]

How are your water stats?

Any signs of scales sticking out?

Could be bloated, try feeding him so cooked shelled peas maybe.

 

[WILDER]

http/www.flippersandfins.net/SwimbladderDisease.htm

 

[Lizzie71]

Thanks, it certainly sounds like the swim bladder thing. I'll do a test tomorrow, but I did a 70% water change today so it should be OK. I wonder if the kids have been over-feeding it? I'll tell them to fast it for a few days and see if that helps. My son usually takes care of the bettas, but if he has been letting his little sister do it, it is probably overfed!

 

[WILDER]

Cook some frozen peas for a few minutes, let cool down and pop out of shell. Mush into small pieces and add to the tank.