My Beta is floating sidewise

Question
Dear Chris,
My mother gave my sone a Betta as gift 1 year and 4 months back. We kept him in a small bowl with small color rocks at bottom. I change 50-75% of the water every week. He is usually active.

Today after returning from office we found him floating sidewise. His gills seem ok. The part of his body just below the gills looks bloated.

I forgot to talk to him today in the morning so I do not know if he had it in the morning but he certainly was ok yesterday.

My son is really upset. After reading your website I think it might be for his age. I have chancged his water and kept warm. Can I do anything else?

Thank you.
Talat
P.S. your answers are really nice

Answer
Hi Talat;

Try feeding him a tiny piece of green pea two times a day. It sounds like he has gas in his intestines and eating peas helps to expel it. Cook and cool a few peas, removing the little round skins from them. They can be refrigerated for 3 or 4 days this way. Hopefully he will feel better in a day or so.

He is indeed an old little fella. He needs to be kept as warm as possible. Change the water twice a week from now on. It will help his immune system.

Followups welcome

At Your Service;
Chris Robbins

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