Beta Illness

Question
I have a beta fish that I've had for about a year and recently he's begun to act strangely. He used to be lively but now he's very still but darts around his tank whenever someone comes near. He has also stopped eating and is swimming lopsided, with a bend in his back. Is there anything I could possibly do for him? Thanks for your time.

Answer
Hi Alyssa;

Poor guy. That does not sound good at all. Change his water and put his tank in a warmer spot. Sometimes the fresh warmer water is enough to help them feel better. If he is swimming sideways it may be related to digestion and he has constipation with gas. Add a tiny pinch of epsom salt per gallon of water to his tank to help him with that. Epsom salt is found in local drug and grocery stores. (Many people use it in hot water for soaking their feet in.)

Sometimes a bend in the back of a fish is due to internal infection or vitamin deficiency that causes muscle spasms. The crooked spine is not reversible but if the cause is eliminated the fish can feel better over time. The problem is we don't always know the cause. You could try using an antibiotic such as "Maracyn 2" to treat for possible internal infection. Here is a link to info on using medicines in small tanks;

http://www.healthybetta.com/easymeds.html

Keep his water very clean to keep waste toxins low. Change his water at least once a week. Clean water goes a long way in treating and preventing fish illness. I wish I could be more helpful......

At Your Service;
Chris Robbins