Hungry Beta

Question
Hi Chris,
We have a Beta Fish in our office for a little over 2 months now.  He was very aggressive and always hungry/active.  Now it seems he doesn't want to eat for the past 2 days and is sluggish.  He has a protrusion between the two fins on the underside of his body. It is tan in color and has been growing for the last few weeks.  It's getting longer it's approx. 1/2 inch in a tubular shape. Is that his bowel movement or a parisite?
He's in a fish bowl approx. 6" in diameter.
No filter system, change his water once a week and feed him 2 times a day. When we change the water we use the stress coat.  
Can you help?
Thanks
Joy  

Answer
Hi Joy;

It may be constipation from overfeeding. Feed him only once per day. That's all he really needs.

To get things "moving" again, feed him a tiny piece of cooked, cooled and peeled green pea once day. Keep his water as warm as possible. It will help his metabolism.

If these suggestions don't help, it could be a tumor. There really isn't anything you can do for him if that's what it is.

Followups welcome

At Your Service;
Chris Robbins

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