Sick/Old Beta

Question
I have had my male beta for about three years. He has been very spunky all his life until last month when I changed his water. I think it was too cold because he shook, so I added some warmer water. But ever since he has been very sluggish and lays around on the bottom of the tank and doesn't move much until it is time to eat. I wake him up by moving the tank slightly and he swims jerkily to the top to eat. Then floats down to the bottom again. his fins seem crumpled a bit and he is losing color. He is in a vase with no plant. He has lived in it all his life. I change the water about once a month because it seems to traumatizes him when I do. Is he just old, or is he sick?

Answer
Hi Cami;

Poor guy. His swim bladder was probably injured from the cold water. Put his vase in the warmest place you can to help him recover. Here is an article about it;

http://www.petfish.net/articles/Bettas/swimbladder_betta.php

I hope he feels better soon.....

At Your Service;
Chris Robbins