Betta has trouble eating

Question
I have a betta and he used to come to the top and gulp his food like he was starving. Over the last three days or so he almost acts like he knows the food is there but can't really open his mouth to get it. Eventually he will get a piece but it seems like he has trouble opening his mouth. At first I thought he couldn't see it but I know he can see. Is there a disease,parasite or fungus that would effect him opening his mouth? I called an aquarium store and the recommended puting a 1/4 teaspoon of uniodized,rock or pickling salt to a quart of water to help him. Can you give me any suggestions as to what it might be and the cure. I don't want him to die he has such a personality his so cute. Thank you in advance. Michele

Answer
Hi Michele;

I've seen this in cases when the fish has a bacterial infection, the water is too cold or he is constipated. An internal infection can cause swelling inside the throat that prevents food from getting down. Look at his eyes and belly to see if it looks like there is swelling. If so, he may need an antibiotic that absorbs inside the body such as Maracyn Two".

Constipation requires fasting for 3 days and then feeding peeled cooked pea chunks. It works as a laxative. Try offering a tiny piece on the end of a toothpick.

Make sure the water temperature is at least 76f all the time so he can move around properly. Bettas really like it up to 82f. If it isn't warm enough, put him in a warmer spot and he should improve in a few hours.

Here are web links to help you further with constipation;

http://www.petfish.net/kb/entry/12/332/

http://www.healthybetta.com/articles/Illness%20Diagonsis/constipation.html

I hope he feels better soon...

At Your Service;
Chris Robbins