Topic: betta floating to one side

[maco5]

A friend of mine has a betta that has recently started to float on one side.
She said he isn't eating either.
I was thinking of swim bladder???
She called the LFS, and they told her to euthanize the fish!!!!
Any ideas what it could be and how or if it can be treated?

[Squeek]

Hi there
If the fish isn't eating, it could possibly be constipation.  Is the betta swollen around the abdominal region at all?  How often do they change the water?  What size tank is it?

It might be best if your friend did a 100% water change, making sure they match the temperatures of the old water and new water exactly and not feed the fish for 4-5 days.  After starving (aka fasting) the fish, offer a bite size piece of the inside of a defrosted pea for 2 days.  If that doesn't help, an antibiotic such as tri sulfa would be the way to go

Looking forward to your answers and reply!

[maco5]

Thanks for your reply.
My friend got a bigger tank today, and will start to cycle it.
I am going to give her one of my filter pads, or maybe the biowheel to get it going.
Hopefully the betta will be OK, and maybe being in a better set up will help??
I will let you know what happens.

[maco5]

My friend bought her betta a new tank with a heater and a filter, and the betta is doing great!
I was hoping she would let the tank cycle before adding the fish, but it is all good.
Weird though, floating on its side oneday, and BAM! gets a new home and is doing great!

[Opaline]

He was pouting

[Squeek]

hmm...it does sound like it was a water quality issue with the old tank if the fish was moved to the new tank with new water..

Glad to hear the betta is doing err...better!