Bloated betta

[Keepers_girl]

Just noticed my male betta has a very swollen/bloated belly.....this is new, he didn't have it before he ate (just fed him frozen bloodworms and brine shrimp) ...could it just be that he's a pig? He's never done this before. Any ideas?

 

[TankGirl]

I had a betta who died of bloat once, and since learned that it is a good idea to feed a blanched, shelled pea once a week to prevent this. If you can do that soon it might help. I am sure some betta experts will come along shortly, but a digestive tract blockage is the likely culprit.

 

[Keepers_girl]

We already fed peas tonight because there's a pleco in the tank who loves them....I saw betta eat some.....I'm so worried 'cause he's my favorite fish.

 

[TankGirl]

Lemme move this over to the Unhealthy forum - I hope it is not dropsy or something, is there a pine-coney appearance to the fish?

 

[Keepers_girl]

No, it just looks as if there's a big "ball" in his tummy just behind his gills....wish I had a digital camera to show you how he looks....

 

[TankGirl]

The big ball look is exactly what I went through with mine - I am definitely stumped if it gets regular peas. I would hold off on feeding tomorrow and hopefully in the AM someone will post back with something more helpful - good luck!

 

[Keepers_girl]

Tankgirl, thanks for your help, I'll update if there's any change in the am.

 

[Menagerie]

I can only say PEAS!!
Hope the little guy is doing better in the morning.

 

[cheezysquirrelz]

It could be constapation. Its caused by overfeeding. Is it active?

 

[Keepers_girl]

Betta looks a bit better today, a bit less bloated and he seems active and happy. Should I feed peas tonite to help clear his belly or should I just not feed at all?

 

[An t-iasg]

Hi Keepers_girl, I'm glad to hear the betta is getting better. I give my bettas peas once a week. I'm not sure if more frequent pea feedings are ok. I would wait at least 5 days to give more peas. (Menagerie, TankGirl -- what do you think?)

I wouldn't feed tonight or tomorrow. Do you have any daphnia? I would try some daphnia on Thursday or Friday, and then maybe some more peas on Friday or Saturday if it looks necessary. I have read that daphnia can help digestive ailments also. I feed my bettas freeze-dried daphnia twice a week, along with the peas once a week.

 

[Menagerie]

Sorry, I've been MIA. I usually only feed peas once a week, because that's how often I eat them. I also don't feed anything else, but peas on pea night and they usually get nothing the day before.

 

[veggiegrl]

I'm having the same problem with one of my bettas. I'm definitely going to try feeding peas tomorrow. I'm glad I found this thread!

 

[Menagerie]

Hey veggiegirl, I'm glad you found this too!
Let us know how things work out.