Betta may have Swim Bladder Disease?

Question
I believe my Betta may have SBD.  He first exhibited signs of this one day about a week ago (floating at the top of the tank on his side, when I came near, though, he came to life and tried to swim but with great difficulty).  After research on the 'net I fed him a few bites of canned peas (that's all I had in the house).  He hungrily ate the pea.  Later on that day he seemed to be much better.  Also from researching the 'net, I found out that SBD is often caused by overfeeding.  I don't believe I overfeed as I give him 2 pellets twice a day for a total of 4 pellets.  He always hungrily eats all of it.  Also, I found that a lack of variety in the diet may cause SBD so I started replacing some of the pelleted food with flake food.  All seemed to go well for about a week then this morning I noticed he's showing the same symptoms (floating on his side, etc).  I again tried the pea but it's very difficult as he tries to grab it off the toothpick, it falls to the bottom of the tank, he tries to swim down to get it but he can't seem to go there...almost like he's too bouyant.  He's now wedged himself between the filter and the tank wall so that he can stay upright.  Because this is where he seems happiest, I have to turn the filter off or he keeps getting spun around in the water getting sucked up and poured back in (filter is on its lowest setting).  I'm afraid this is too stressful on him so I've turned the filter off.  Not sure if this is a bad idea.  My questions:  1)Does this sound like SBD? 2)Am I currently overfeeding? 3)Should I try to give him more variety in his diet? 4)What can I do to get him better now? 5)Is it ok to have the filter off for now?  Sorry for the lengthy message but I believe it's best for all if you have all the info. regarding my sick Betta.

Answer
Hello Connie. You betta does have SBD. SBD comes from overfeeding. It is especially common in very young bettas  and can affect some Double Tail bettas when overfed or stressed.

Bettas with a swim bladder disorder will have difficulty swimming, because their swim bladder is either too short, or it is swollen. Double Tail bettas, because they have a shorter body, are especially prone to this problem. In the case of a short swim bladder, the bettas will not be able to maneuver and swimming becomes so difficult, they prefer to just lay at the bottom, sliding on their bellies.  

Bettas may recover on their own, but since overfeeding induces swimbladder disorders in most cases, the first thing to do is feed a lot less. A betta may recover on its own at any time, and is not suffering. To help the fish if it cannot eat, lower the water level.

It doesn't seem to me that your overfeeding either. The betta may have gotten it because it is becoming stressed. You should try to give him more variety in his diet. The betta flakes are great, but Betta's are meat eaters as well, and need some meat in their diet. The best food to give them in their diet as well with the flakes, are blood worms. They don't cost very much, but betta's do love them. It is okay to have the filter off for now. This problem should go away in time and it will. I hope this helps and good luck.

Alejandra