sideways swimming beta

Question
QUESTION: Black beta with red and green pretties that we received as a gift last night is now swimming sideways. We took him out of the dirty water in the bowl and put him in aged tap water in something like a gallon tank with a light and a filter/airpump.  We didn't turn these on last night as I am accustomed to seeing them in vases. Woke up this morning and he was energetically swimming sideways on top. He ate some live prey that was provided to us and a green pea portion suggested for this problem. Also added a little pinch of sea salt on the recommendation of a friend.

what else can I do for the poor little guy? Is he likely to make it?

ANSWER: Hey Oreanda

It seems that your betta has swimbladder disease.. You were right to give it the pea, some fish make a recovery, some don't.

You should use proper aquarium salt not sea salt.  but don't worry.

I would suggest putting him in to a much bigger tank at least a 5 gallon tank.

Only time will tell if  he survives!

Good luck  :)   Jack

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

QUESTION: NOt sure what good the feeding ofthe pea did, (do you know ??) but between that and turning on the filter and light he seems to be fine now. He is happily swimming the middle level of the tank and gobbling whatever moves near...YEA!

Answer
Swimbladder disease causes the adomen to squish together which makes the fish float on the top.

The pea (make sure you peel it fed it just the inside) acts like a fibre laxitive and de-clogs the inside of the fish.

Hopefully he has healed and good luck!

Jack