Beta growth, disease?

Question
I have two Betas bought last July for my wedding.  They are kept in small bowls above the kitchen sink where I thought they would be warmest in the house.  My blue one is doing fine but the red one has developed a large growth on his underside between the gills.  He doesn't eat like he used to, like he doesn't see his food, but flares his fins and swims around a lot.  He has been like this over three weeks.  I just read some other advice and wonder if his water is too cool and if there is medicine used for these fish.  They get their water changed weekly with "aged" water at room temp with a little old water mixed in.  There's no filter system and I feed them Beta pellets.  Thank you!

Answer
Hi Patti;

I aplogize for not answering your question sooner. I have been trying to answer it for two days but the system wouldn't accept my response. Happens sometimes, usually on weekends.

If the large growth looks like part of his body is more rounded, it is possible he is constipated from being too cool. Try putting him in an even warmer place for awhile and feeding him tiny chunks of green peas. Feed only the peas until he feels better. Placing a desk lamp over him for a few days would help bring the water temperature up. To get the digestion going again he needs his water to be 80 or 82 degrees. Let me know if you don't think it is his belly that is enlarged. There are other possibilites like tumors or gill infections.

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Chris Robbins

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