Beta - white lump on back!

Question
My poor little beta - about 2 1/2 years old - seems to be on his last "fin".  He has a hard time eating - as if his "aim" is off when he tries to snag a pellet and he can't really open his mouth fully (he has thus become very thin).  His activity level has dropped, although he still does swim around quite a bit.  Mostly, though, I noticed a white "lump", almost cauliflower-like, taking over his top fin
(which has suffered from some fin rot as well which I did treat with Fungus Clear) as well as the scales underneath this fin.  I've seen it grow a lot larger in size over the past couple months, so perhaps it is a tumor??

I keep him in a one-gallon aerated tank in treated Brita water at 78-80 degrees with a light on during the day, [attempt to] feed him 1-2 pellets (or flakes) 2-3 times a day, and try to keep the water as clean as possible (although I did have a couple busy weeks here and there where I wasn't as diligent). :(   I realize he is getting a bit old and may not have much time left, but I really, truly hate to see him suffer!  Is there any advice you can give me?  I greatly appreciate it!

Best regards,
Naomi

Answer
Good morning, Naomi, thank you for your question.

What a fine job you must have done to keep your betta alive for so long. As you know, he's nearing the end of his natural life. Tumors and growths will frequently appear at this end stage of life. The key is keeping him comfortable.

I would not medicate at this point. Very young or very old fish are more susciptible to ill effects from medication. Add a little aquarium salt as the only prophylatic or tonic, but do keep in mind it doesn't evaporate, so only replace it proportionately with water changes. 1/4 teaspoon should do it, no more than 1/2 teaspoon. I have a friend who swears by 5 drops of lemon juice per gallon. I've never tried it, but you can if you would like to...! His fish seem very active.

As a treat, feed him some frozen or live bloodworms. You can spoil him now, and these are a betta's favorite food! Freeze dried are tasty, but they are like pork rinds - nutritionally very lacking. I would defrost the worms and feed them one at a time. Your betta will probably perk up! Bettas also enjoy brine shrimp, preferably vitamin or spirulina enhanced, such as Hikari's own blend.

If he fails to eat, and you suspect he is suffering - you will know when the time comes - this is the best article I have come across on the net regarding euthanasia:

http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-the-most-humane-way-to-euthanize-a-fish.htm

Don't take any "extraordinary" measures with your geriatric betta. Keep him comfortable and happy. Providing him with the very best end of life care that you possibly can is going to be the very best thing you can do.

Congratulations on giving your pet a long and fulfilling life all these years! May he live to see several more months. Best of luck to you and happy new year as well.

Nicole