Sick Betta

[Barry P]

Hi All, now that i have your attention

My betta hasnt been very mobile this last 2 days, he has gone very pale and bloated. His fins are in great condition and still bright red but his body has paled alot. His diet consists of Bloodworms and pellets, and occasionally he eats flakes. I have seperated him from the rest and havent fed him as he has a string of poo hanging from him for some time also. This would suggest constipation or some kind of diet problem.

Please advise on the best practice for treating him, thanks all.

 

[Chill]

Hi All, now that i have your attention

My betta hasnt been very mobile this last 2 days, he has gone very pale and bloated. His fins are in great condition and still bright red but his body has paled alot. His diet consists of Bloodworms and pellets, and occasionally he eats flakes. I have seperated him from the rest and havent fed him as he has a string of poo hanging from him for some time also. This would suggest constipation or some kind of diet problem.

Please advise on the best practice for treating him, thanks all.

I suggest you don't feed him for a day, see if that helps. You could ask your LFS for somthing for constipation though. He may just be a greedy betta/

 

[catxx]

starve for a day
then feed him cooked mashed deshelled pea.

it's advisable with bettas to have a "pea day" every week to avoid constipation.

 

[Barry P]

Thanks guys, "pea" day it is. Any tips on how to prepare the peas..???usually i marinate them in garlic butter and sprinkle pepper on them..im assuming this cant be good for the fish.?

 

[Joby]

I just add 4 or 5 into a small glass of water and nuke in the microwave for a few seconds. You just need long enough to get them soft. Pour cold water into the glass as contents will be very hot and then take each pea and pop then out of their outer shell and mush up the insides between your fingers and add to the tank. Use frozen or fresh not tinned as they contain salt.

Hope he gets better for you

 

[Barry P]

Thanks Joby, is it just once a week i should do this, and is one pea enough per week? If he doesnt go for the pea will it eventually disolve or should i remove it.?

 

[Joby]

Usually good practice to give peas once a week but have to admit to not always remembering )

Half a pea will usually do for one betta but maybe other peeps use more

Mine usually love them but if you've given too much or he doesn't eat it then just remove in the morning, it can't do too much harm overnight. If he's still looking bloated and pale then try a pea again the next day. As with any new foods it might just take some time for him to accept it but I've never had that problem yet.

Good luck!

 

[tttnjfttt]

I also only give each fish 1/2 a pea. Remeber their stomache is only about the size of their eyeball, so 1/2 is more than enough. I usually split the half in half to give them no more than 1/4 as a single bite.

also, since he has gone pale, you should check for ammonia in his tank, or do a water change. Are his scales sticking out like a pine cone? because that will indicate more than constipation