i think my betta fish is sick

Question
I got a betta fish in october 2004 as a gift it was blue and red. now is only blue in its fins and the rest of the body is a pail colour. I went to a fish store reguarding that my fish has what it looks like is whitish cotton looking stuff coming out of his mouth. she gave me BettaFix Remedy i used it for the first time yesturday, my fish was eating yesturday and hasn't aten anything today, he is floating sometimes on his side and sometimes swimming sideways. can you please help me and tell me whats going on. I dont want it to die.
thanks
shannon
Canada

Answer
Hi Shannon;

Raise his water temperature to 82 degrees fahrenheit. This will help kill the infection. Keep using the bettafix. Floating on his side indicates indigestion. Don't feed him at all for a couple of days. Then, start feeding him little chunks of thawed out frozen green peas. Hopefully this will clear out his digestive system. The higher temperature is essential to get him well. If the water is too cool he just won't be able to recover.

If the whitish 'fungus' does not improve in a day or two, get a regular fungus treatment. They are available at your local fish store.

Hope he feels better soon....

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Chris Robbins

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