Curing clamped fins on a betta fish?

Question
Hi david!!

My name is Phoebe Smith, I'm 11 years old and I own several siamese fighting fish. A fish that I acquired about 4 months ago and has always been very active has been really slowing down lately. Over the past two weeks, he has hung out in one corner of his bowl and barely moves around exept when he's eatng. He's always been a curious little guy so I thought getting him a slightly bigger bowl would perk him up a bit. It didn't... I have been changing his water twice a week, keeping him near my other bettas for company, but nothing seems to work. And this week especially, his fins have been EXTREMELY clamped. Please help my betta!! He's still eating and all, but with so many fish medications on the market, I don't know where to turn!

Answer
Hi Phoebe: Betta fish like to be warm... so make sure his water temperature is between 76-82 degrees.  Also try feeding him some live brine shrimp.  Make sure he gravel and tank are really clean... toxins build up quickly in small tanks... keep me posted... dave