I think my betta is sick:(

Question
QUESTION: Hey Ron,

Maybe you will remember me from acouple of days ago telling you about my male betta with a funny transparent blotch on his forehead.

This blotch seems to be staying the same, but my fish is becoming lethargic. He is normally VERY energetic. But now he usually just sits at the bottom of his tank, and only comes up for air, and very occasionally tours around his tank acouple of times.

I changed his tank today, so I will be on the lookout to see if he makes and improvments, but I am very worried he might be sick. He comes up for air more often then usual, and as I said he isn't to keen on moving around.

I hope you can help me figure out what is wrong with lychee!

Thanks soo much!

Hayley

ANSWER: Hi Hayley,
  Do you have a heater in his tank?

-- Ron
  rcoleman@cichlidresearch.com
  Cichlid Research Home Page <http://cichlidresearch.com>


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hey ron,

No, I don't have a heater for Lychee, he was fine last winter, although he did get alittle less active. I have noticed last night and right now, that he is breathing heavily, and the blotch almost looks like its creating tiny bumps on his head. I'm very worried about him.

What should I do??:(

thanks again,

hayley

Answer
Hi Hayley,
  You really should have a heater in there.  Bettas need the water to be up around 80oF.  If he is cold, he is less able to defend himself against disease and parasites.

-- Ron
  rcoleman@cichlidresearch.com
  Cichlid Research Home Page <http://cichlidresearch.com>