white spots on Betta

Question
Hi Lynda.  I hope you and your fish are doing well.  I have a question about my Betta "Fishy".  Fishy is a beautiful burgundy/red fish.  I noticed two weeks ago that the coloring under his mouth was getting grayish/white looking.  Yesterday I noticed that this discoloring is now moving a little behind his gills and also around his eyes in splotches.  He also seems a little bloated.  He is an extremely fussy eater.  He spits out red flakes and pellets.  He will only eat dried blood worms and something else that I don't know the name of but looks like toast crumbs.  I fed him a pea three days ago and he liked it but the pieces did not float and sank quicker than he could grab them.  He did manage to get a few pieces although most of them sank to the bottom.  He is responsive and swims happily throughout the day.  He is also blowing nice bubble nests.  However, he looks terrible.  Is there anything wrong with him and if so, what can I do to help him.  One more question...how do you know if your Betta fish is a male or female?  Thank you Lynda.

Answer
Hi Ann Marie,
This does not sound good.  He could have a fungus disease.  I would try "Tetracycline."  This is a good antibiotic, and should help your betta.  Keep his tank extremely clean.  Follow the directions on the package.
The difference between a male, and a female, is that the male has a long skirt.  His fins are long, the female's are short.  Also, it is rare that the female blows a bubble nest.  When they are young, it is very hard to see the difference, but once they reach 7-8 months of age, it is easily seen.  You can also look up on the web to see pictures.  Just google it, and write down "female betta" it will bring you to lots of pictures of the female, then do the same for the male betta.
Lynda