Goodbye, Eli

[An t-iasg]

My betta Eli died yesterday.

He had been bloated for about a month. Although he ate well, and was happy and active, about a week ago I knew it was only a matter of time before he went to the big pond in the sky. Yesterday I came home to find him wedged under the CO2 airstone.

On Monday he ate well, swam around, was active, and came up to my finger as always so he must have gone quickly and peacefully.

Here is a little video:

 

[Fluff]

Sorry to hear.

 

[new2betas]

Awww...I'm so sorry! How long had you had him?

 

[melosu58]

Sorry to hear that.

 

[Taelen]

Sorry for your loss, he looks very much like mine.

 

[roka64]

Sorry for you loss. How long did you have him?

 

[NiGeR1986]

Sorry to hear. He looked soo Happy!! Hes In a GOOD PLACE

 

[Sahabo]

OH Deb, I'm so sorry! He obviously had a happy, quality life with you. A very cute video

By the way, was that moss in the video in the suction cup tray on the side? What a neat idea!

 

[fearlessfisch]

We are so sorry. Eli was a perfect fish. He was clearly loved and had a wonderful life. and I think that you shold buy another betta and take good care of it. My seven-year-old niece added that last sentence, and I agree. Eli had a wonderful little home, and you gave him so much. We are so sorry to see that he has passed away.

good,bye!!!!!!!!

 

[An t-iasg]

Thanks, everyone. Your kind words help a lot.

I had him for a year and 8 months. The other betta that I bought at the same time as Eli is still strong and healthy.

Eli was bloated, and I've had enough bettas to know that it was only a matter of time. A betta I had a few years ago was bloated, and I took him out of the tank and medicated him. It didn't help, so I put him back in the tank. He lived, still very bloated, for 10 days without showing any signs of stress. So for Eli, since his behavior didn't change a bit - he was still quite active, and eating - I decided to leave him in his familiar surroundings. I knew he wasn't going to get better but it was still a shock to find him yesterday.

Yes, that is Taiwan moss in the moss bed. It's a plastic soap dish from Target (new and never used as a soap dish!) Eli loved it and I'm glad I got a picture of him in it:

http://www.aquariumadvice.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=14405&d=1216846837

 

[Zagz]

I am so sorry for your loss. I know Eli had a great home with you and I know how much you will miss him. He couldn't have had a better home than with you Deb.

 

[An t-iasg]

Thank you, Anne that's nice of you to say! I've had about 10 bettas and I do get very attached. After all these years it doesn't get easier when they die but all your nice posts help!

 

[marchmaxima]

Aw Deb, I am so sorry to hear about Eli. I know both your Betta's mean a lot to you.

((((((((((((((((((HUGS))))))))))))))))))))

 

[An t-iasg]

Thanks, Sharon

 

[joannde]

It really does stink when they go ! I agree with you .... you never do get used to it.

I love the idea of the video ! that's great. And I broke into a smile when I saw his soap dish & moss bed. He was well loved. I'm sure he's bragging to all the other fishes about how GREAT his "mom" is and what great care she gave him.

 

[saffikeagan]

That video is a great keepsake. How fantastic you'll have that to remember him by.

 

[An t-iasg]

Thanks, Joann - oh, you're making me tear up!

Saffikeagan, I'm glad I took this video too! My old camera didn't have a video mode but my new one does and I've made good use of it!