How to respond to ill betta fish

My betta fish has been with me for quite a while but now seems to be failing. I’ve had him for almost three years. He is showing all of the signs of illness that I have been able to research. His colors are fading, his fins are torn, his appetite has decreased, and he’s not moving much. He just looks lousy! I have always changed his water on a regular basis and done what reading I can on keeping him healthy.

Could he just be failing due to age? I called the local vet and they didn’t have any answers. Do veterinarians even treat bettas? Last but not least, I don’t want him to suffer. If I have to put him out of his misery and not just wait to let him die, what should I do?

I’m sorry to hear your betta is failing. They are beautiful fish and your questions are applicable to many tropical fish, not just bettas. Like all living creatures, he may be slowing down due to natural causes and death may be imminent. Unfortunately, most veterinarians are not trained in fish medicine and those that do care for fish are either self-taught or have been under the tutelage of another veterinarian for additional training.

There are many parameters to think of besides age such as water quality, size of tank, temperature, feeding and more. Bettas usually live around three years but some can live to four or five. All of the signs that you describe suggest that your fish is ill. I would carefully clean the tank, change the water, pick up some fish antibiotics from a local distributor or online and follow instructions carefully. More is not always better. An anti-fungal might also be worth trying.

However, given that you have had him for some time, he just might be getting near the end of his lifespan so you may have to make some tough choices. Humane ending is a reasonable alternative and there are various methods. There are differing opinions on whether or not fish feel pain. You can go online for instructions for various methods including clove oil bath, ice bath, stun and stab.

Don’t resort to means such as flushing the fish down a toilet as some people do or other harsh and inhumane methods such as mixing alcohol in a tank. You may want to look at websites like bettafish.org for more information. Good luck!

from Boston Herald https://ift.tt/2PHxBAs