Extreamly Bloated Betta

[Nighthawk1701]

Hello. I have a 2-3 year old crowntail betta and in the last month or so he has become extreamly bloated and I am unsure what to do. I have tried the common methods like fasting and epsom salt baths but there has been no noticable improvement, it seems to be getting slowly worse. His belly is about the size of a marble and looks like its filled with fluid. He is still behaving fairly normal, eating and swimming ok, but I cant imagine its comfortable. Is there anything else I can do, or should I consider euthanizing? Thank you for your advice.

 

[Aiken Drum]

Maybe old age. If you have had him 2 to 3 years, he is probably 3 to 4 years old, which is knocking on in years for a betta.

Can you post a photo?

Euthanasia is a bit extreme. Your fish is otherwise healthy, eating and swimming.

 

[Nighthawk1701]

Here is a picture

 

[Aiken Drum]

Have you tried feeding boiled peas?

 

[Nighthawk1701]

No, I havent tried peas because Ive read that although that can work for some types of fish that are constipated, bettas cant digest peas (or any vegetable matter) well and it can make issues worse. Is this incorrect?

 

[Aiken Drum]

I dont keep bettas but ive seen it recommended for constipation in bettas. This link thread for instance.

https://www.aquariumadvice.com/forums/f17/betta-laying-at-bottom-367227.html

There is a good possibility its dropsy. Is there any pineconing of the scales?

 

[Nighthawk1701]

No i havent seen any pineconing (yet)

 

[Aiken Drum]

Is the betta the only fish in the tank? If there are other fish could you quarantine as a precaution?

 

[Nighthawk1701]

He's the only one in a 10g heated and filtered tank

 

[Aiken Drum]

Dropsy is usually untreatable, but let's hope for the best. You arent going to infect other fish by leaving him be. I would treat for constipation, if things dont improve try antibiotic medication. I cant really recommend anything as antibiotics are vets prescription only here in UK so i don't have first hand experience. You might have better access to medication than i do, depending on where you are.

 

[Nighthawk1701]

okay, thank you