Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Got a problem with my betta. We've had him about a year and in the last week or so, he's developed a bit of a problem. His stomach is distended/bloated and he won't swim. He lays at the bottom of his bowl almost on his tail. He still has an appetite and attempts to swim to the top when I drop in some food. However, he usually ends up catching it on the way down. He had been in a 10 gallon aquarium with a couple of other fish but I've since moved him to a bowl by himself. Any ideas what's wrong with him?

RP

Sounds like your little buddy has a case of swim bladder disorder. That's usually an easy fix. Just fast him, feed him a pea every now and then and do this for about a week (5-6 days or until he clears up and swims fine). This is not contagious, he's just got food stuck in his digestive system which is right next to his swim bladder (the bit that keeps him neutrally buoyant). Should clear up within the 5-7 days. Keep us updated on the status of all your fish. And let us know how everything is going.
-----
Phishie

"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."

When you say to fast him and feed him a pea every so often, elaborate please. I'm a little unclear on what a pea is (is it some kind of fish food?).

RP