Betas aim off; cant swallow

Question
I've got 2 male betas in a divided one gallon tank. They've been in this tank since I got them 20 months ago. I keep the tank between 78 and 80 degrees and change the water pretty regularly.  Recently, one of the fish lost his ability to catch his pelletized food.  He still tries to eat aggressively, but usually misses the target.  Occasionally, he gets a pellet in his mouth and can't swallow it.  This can't go on much longer.  Is he fixable or is he just old?

Answer
Hi Jeff;

He is an old little fella so that could be it. He may have a tumor or something too. It could block his throat and cause blindness too. Look at him closely for swelling or inflammation. If there is anything you could try treating with an antibiotic like "Maracyn 2". It gets inside the fish to treat internal infections. It is best to separate the fish if you treat the sick one though. The healthy one should not be exposed to medicine unless he needs it. Unless each side is sealed of course and water isn't shared between the two sides.  

A Betta's lifespan is 2 to 3 years and they are already about a year old when you buy one in the fish store. You've done a great job in caring for him. It may just be his time to go.

At Your Service;
Chris Robbins