Lying On His Side

[jetsabel]

I've had my betta for eight months, and he's generally been lively and happy, swimming around the tank.

My friend was taking care of him for awhile, and I just got him back a couple of days ago. He started to act a little lethargic, which I had attributed to my air conditioning being on and making the tank too cold (I haven't had him when it was warm out before, and was thinking that I would go buy a bigger tank with a heater.)

However, when I came home today, I noticed him up at the surface, lying on his side. When I transferred him to a small cup to change his water and clean the tank (I was worried that perhaps the water was too dirty.), he seemed perfectly normal. However, now that he's back in the tank, he's doing the lying on his side thing. If I come near him he'll swim upright for a second or two and then go back. Occasionally, he'll do it on his own, too.

Any idea as to what is going on? I'm not sure, but my friend might have been feeding him more than I usually do. There was a good deal of uneaten food in the gravel when I went to clean the tank.

I'm really concerned and I don't want him to be unhappy...

 

[liz2]

dont really know the answer to this one...you have just done the water so it cant be that..is he too cold? could be old age? Sorry not really much help when they are poorly...hope he perks up for you.

 

[thelastbetta]

Maybe he's sleeping?

My one betta in my 20 gallon will lay on his side if the water gets too cold or if he's sleeping.

 

[stang1]

It sounds a bit like Swim bladder. Has he got any other symptoms?
If it is Swim Bladder then try feeding him a pea. Cook a frozen pea, remove the shell and mush between your fingers.
Try this and see if he improves any.
Also, what temperature are you keeping his tank at? Bettas prefer temp. to be about 76-80F.

 

[Dibari]

It sounds a bit like Swim bladder. Has he got any other symptoms?
If it is Swim Bladder then try feeding him a pea. Cook a frozen pea, remove the shell and mush between your fingers.
Try this and see if he improves any.
Also, what temperature are you keeping his tank at? Bettas prefer temp. to be about 76-80F.

There are sooo many reasons why he could be doing this, but yes, Swimbladder sounds likely. It can be brought on by bacterial issues from bad water conditions, or parasites from similiarily bad water conditions, from constipation (perhaps she overfed him..?) or from injury.
The best way to rule out the reasons for it are to start off with Stang1s advice - Try the pea. Let us know if he poops, and if he does, we'll look at other reasons as to why this may be happening.

 

[girl4God81]

Mine did this exact same thing! He also had a swollen belly though. I agree it sounds as though it may be swim bladder. i would try an epsom salt bath, it made my little man's problem go away! He would be swimming at the top and then slowly float sideways...After his salt bath, the next morning he was back to his normal self!

 

[corey01]

you dont use a heater right? if i were you if get on fast because i think its because hes cold. fish rely on the water around them to heat their body and bettas prefer warmer water so f you had a cold day or something the temprature would have dropped. if you have a heater the temprature would stay at a constant.

 

[Maxsmom]

I agree with Stang and Dibari - sounds most likely swim bladder - and his equilibrium (sp??) is off, thus the reason why he's on his side a lot. I think your best to fast for 2 days first before trying the frozen/thawed pea, though... and make sure his water is PRISTINE. What size tank is he in? The smaller the tank - the more frequently you have to change his water. Ammonia can build up in 1-2 days in a one gallon. And like Dibari said... swim bladder can also be caused by poor water conditions... so you should be changing his water accordingly. If you're not sure how often to do that. Get an ammonia testing kit (the 2 bottle tester is more accurate - dipsticks are generally not accurate either.) Do you condition his water with anything like Prime, Amquel, NovAqua?? I hope he gets better. But please, make sure his water is clean and you don't overfeed. It's hard to resist their wanting more food... we all know their little wiggle dances for more food... but don't fall for it... you'll have a healthier and longer-living betta if you resist and take good care of him. Good luck!