Help with betta.

[ajr0053]

Hi all, you’ve helped me in the past with my first betta, and this time I need help with my other somewhat elderly man. He’s around 5 years old, and is usually very energetic attention seeking. However I’ve come to notice he’s slowing down, which is somewhat normal. I know bettas can live longer than 5 years, but given that he was store bought and also given to me by someone who couldn’t take care of him correctly, I’m not sure if it’s catching up with him now or he’s just old. He’s begun to sit on plants a lot, which is normal, but he rests in a bit of a “c” shape when he does so. He’s eating normally, albeit missing his food so I hold it for him with tweezers. His tank is heavy planted and heated, and all parameters are accounted for (ammonia, ammonium, nitrates etc.) I thought he could possibly have a tumor as his ribcage pokes out a bit at the side, but when he’s straight, it’s not as noticeable. I’m wondering if more experienced eyes could tell me if he’s got a tumor, is sick, or is simply just old. He’s still eating and seems fine, but if there’s anything you believe I can do for him or improve, please let me know. I’ll attach a few photos of him from top view for the c shape and ribcage I was noticing.

thanks.

 

[PheonixKingZ]

I do see the tumor you are speaking of. It looks similar to the one I had on my old betta.

@Deanasue gave me advice to treat him and it ended up healing him, but he still died. I hope this isn't the case with your betta.

Do water changes now. She will be on later. @Colin_T might be able to shed some more light on this. Hope your betta gets better soon!

(Note: 5 years for a store bought betta is a very good life.)

 

[FishGuest5123]

I think he’s just a very old man whose time is approaching. Even if it is a tumor, there’s nothing you can do for it. Just love him and keep him comfortable. I had a very old one who died peacefully during the night. He didn’t seem to ever suffer.

 

[PheonixKingZ]

Ohh.. then i think the spot I had on my old betta was a really bad fungal infection. Maybe my betta died due to a tumor? I don't know...

 

[ajr0053]

I do see the tumor you are speaking of. It looks similar to the one I had on my old betta.

@Deanasue gave me advice to treat him and it ended up healing him, but he still died. I hope this isn't the case with your betta.

Do water changes now. She will be on later. @Colin_T might be able to shed some more light on this. Hope your betta gets better soon!

(Note: 5 years for a store bought betta is a very good life.)

Thank you for your answer and I’m sorry to hear about your betta! I’ll just continue to take care of him as normal as I’m guessing there’s not much to be done about a tumor. Thanks again

 

[ajr0053]

I think he’s just a very old man whose time is approaching. Even if it is a tumor, there’s nothing you can do for it. Just love him and keep him comfortable. I had a very old one who died peacefully during the night. He didn’t seem to ever suffer.

Thank’s for your reply. I wondered if that might be the case with a tumor. I’ll just keep caring for him as normal! Thanks again.

 

[PheonixKingZ]

No problem man! Hope he gets better or improves.

 

[Back in the fold]

I think he’s just a very old man whose time is approaching. Even if it is a tumor, there’s nothing you can do for it. Just love him and keep him comfortable. I had a very old one who died peacefully during the night. He didn’t seem to ever suffer.

Madame' are you talking about a fish or YOUR old man ?

 

[FishGuest5123]

Madame' are you talking about a fish or YOUR old man ?

Well, this one is a fish. Hopefully we can hold off awhile on my hubbie. LOL!