Betta - sick

Question
I hope you can help. I've had my betta almost a year. In the last 2-3 weeks he has been sluggish and now struggles to get to the top and then floats down and lays on the rocks. I've had his water tested, a little low in PH, corrected and now fine. He is in a 2 gallon aquarium with a catfish for algea.  He has an interest in food and struggles to the top to get it. His color is good, not signs of fin rot, big eyes, bloat or dropsy.  Any suggestions?  Thanks, Joanne

Answer
Hello Joanne,
I do not think his pH could have been a trouble. Bettas are very adaptable and trying to adjust his pH can do much more harm than good because of constant flucuations. A stable not Specific pH is healthier for your little betta.

Trying to come to the top for food is an excellent sign he isn't feeling too bad. But I am certain he has what's called "swim bladder disorder" the swim bladder is the organ located between the betta's belly and tail and runs a little along the spine, this important organ controls the betta's equlibrium and depth of water he wants to be in. It is if something throws the Swim bladder off, he can have problems such as what you've described. The most common cause of swim bladder is the foods he eats. Or if he eats way too much and overloads his stomach which then the dry food swells with water and presses against the swim bladder. This can also be caused by constipation, but this problem is generally associated with a swollen belly. Not exactly what you described.

I have had this problem happen with many of my bettas and even goldfish in the past. It is not a bad disease and isn't contagious to other fish...do not think he is suffering too much to put him out of his misery. PLEASE DON'T! But I have cured many swimbladder disorder fish and the treatment is quite simple. It may take a few days for him to get back to normal. You can try giving him a frozen, thawed and shelled green pea to loosen up any blockage of food that may be pressing on the swim bladder. Most bettas relish green peas, just be sure to pop them out of their shell once completely thawed. You might prefer to feed little bite sizes of green pea on the end of a blunt toothpick. In the meantime, stop his other foods until you can figure that it is the food that is causing his problem. Fast him from his regular food for at least 2 days and feeding tiny amounts of peas twice to three times a day. It may take him a little longer to recover but generally it takes a few days at most.

Once he is recovered and swimming good again, if he is on pellets, presoak them before ever giving them to him. Soak the pellets in his own tank water so they swell up before he eats it. This can help tremendously. If he is on a lot of brine shrimp or worms, try to cut back on these feedings as they may also be triggers of SBD.

Of course there are other considerations that may have caused him to get swim bladder such as getting banged up in his swim bladder region, bacterial infection (somewhat rare) or a genetic problem. But for now simply try to get him better with pea feedings and taking him off his normal diet and making adjustments as neccessary once he is better. Always insure his water is clean and there is very little buildup of pollutants. Absolutely no ammonia, nitrite, and very little nitrate. You probably already know this but it is well worth mentioning as it's a great importance to pay attention to these paramenters.

Well, I really hope this helps!
If you have anymore questions or concerns, feel free to email me.
My very best wishes for you and your betta!
Happy fishkeeping!
Karen~
(For lots more info on bettas--visit-
"www.bettatalk.com")