Swim Bladder / Pea Diet Question

[Rue4471]

Hi everyone. I'm a first time Betta owner, but long time tropical fish owner. I’ve got a problem that I’ve never had to deal with before, so I’d appreciate your input.

This past Thursday I purchased a crowntail and introduced him to his own, properly cycled tank. I thoroughly inspected him at the store and saw no defects. However, after I had gotten him home, acclimated to the new water conditions and netted into the tank, I noticed that his spine had twisted into an “S” shape and his lower abdomen was swollen. I’m assuming it was the stress of transport combined with the netting into the tank that caused his swim bladder to become inflamed (he was really unhappy when the net was introduced to the bag).

I've had him on the pea diet since Friday and he's really perked up. He's adjusted to his new environment very well, is zipping all over the tank chasing bubbles and aside from floating at the top when he's tired, he seems a healthy, happy fish. Except for the inflamed swim bladder. I'm not expecting miracles overnight, but I am concerned for the future.

My question is: at what point should I take him off the pea diet if the inflammation doesn't subside? I'm concerned that feeding him peas for over a week might lead to initial malnutrition, and I don't want to shock his system any further.

I’m really hopeful that this issue will resolve itself once he’s been in his new environment for a while, but I’d rather be prepared in case it doesn’t.

Any advice you can give would be extremely appreciated!

 

[Dieses Madchen]

is there any pineconing on his scales? If there is, it may be dropsy, not swim bladder

If there is no pineconing. Just keep fasting him and giving him a pea every few day.s after about 4 days, my guy was better

 

[loraxchick]

It is likely from the netting of the fish. Injury is often a cause of swimbladder disorders. Most times they heal themselves. The pea trick only works if constipation/overeating is to blame as it clears the intestinal tract which allows for the gas exchange to get the SB back into balance. With injury as the cause, peas wont help im afraid. Its kind of a wait and see. Sometimes the damage is done and it never gets "better". So long as he can swim about, is eating ok and can get to the surface to breathe, he should be fine even if the condition doesnt correct itself. If he isnt showing improvement in a week you may want to consider epsom salt dips.
could you post a pic? Just want to see how severe his curvature is.
all the best
cheers