Very Sick Beta - Help!

Question
Hello Mr. Coleman,

We've had our beta for a little over 1 1/2 years.  I was wondering if he was old because, you never know how old they are at the time of purchase.  I'm embarassed to say we bought him at our local WalMart.  Thank you for your time, it is appreciated.

Carolyn Manning

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Followup To
Question -
My beta has been sick for about 1 month.  I have him in a small filtered beta tank.  He is very lethargic, barely moving and lying on his side.  He will rarely dart up to the surface in an effort to get food, but will fall back to the bottom and remain there for long periods.  The local fish store gave me K-Mycin which I administered for 14 days with no effects.  I have been doing a 1/4 water change daily.  His fins and color look good.  What could be the problem?
Answer -
Hi Carolyn,
 Hmmm...  is it possible that he is just getting old?
How long have you had him?

-- Ron
  rcoleman@cichlidresearch.com
  Cichlid Research Home Page <http://cichlidresearch.com>


Answer
Hi Carolyn,
  Old age might be the case here.  Assuming he was an adult when you got him and you've had him a year and a half, that makes him somewhere around 2+ years, which is pretty good for a betta.  

-- Ron
  rcoleman@cichlidresearch.com
  Cichlid Research Home Page <http://cichlidresearch.com>