Fishy not well =(

Question
Hi, I've had my siamese fighting fish for about 1 year now, and I've noticed a lump in his throat its been there for a few months (3-4), which may have been caused by his food. But I asked a guy that works at the pet store and he said after a few days the fish food would have disolved if that was the case. I've also noticed that he hasn't been moving around at all for most of the day, and sometimes spits his food out. Is there anything I can do to help him and should I take him to the vet? Thanks

Answer
Hello Sonia -

You can try switching your fish's food for a few days to see if his condition improves. Bettas enjoy bloodworms and daphnia, especially if you can find them live. You can also feed your betta a bit of a skinned cooked pea; this will help his body clear out anything in his system. Putting his tank by the window or under a lamp will help raise the temperature (bettas enjoy 80F water) and speed up his metabolism.

Hopefully trying each of these changes for a few days will help him perk up.

-Amber Worman