My friend is having some trouble with his "Betta Fish". I will post what he posted to me in my neopets Guild. Also, if you have anythign to say to him, help or what ever. Just reply and i will tell him. Thanks alot. Here is what he said:
"Hi, I was wondering if there are any fish experts out there who could give me some advice...
Well my Betta Fish, Rainbow (named, of course, after the hero in "Rainbow Fish" ) is well over three years old now, and he was already very sick when we "rescued" him from the pet store. My poor friend seems to be turning grey around his head, and especially the scales by his gills, and even though he is usually very active, he now rests on the fake plant in his tank as though he is to weak to move. And - the most alarming of all - when I feed him, he struggles to the top of the tank and just falls back to the bottom. I know that he is dying, and I just feel...just...just sick about it; I know a lot of people don't get attached to their fish, but I really cared for my little buddy.
Anyways, the reason I'm writing this is to ask:
1. Is this just old age Rainbow is experiencing? Because if it's something else, I want to treat it right away and help him feel better.
2. Rainbow is having troubles swimming now. How does this relate to his old age - is he just wearing out his body? Or, I'm really just wondering here, is it possible for fish to get arthritis?
And last but not least, if there is anything at all I can do to make Rainbow more comfortable, please tell me! I don't know a ton about fish - I've done my research, but I'm not an expert - and I'm not sure what to do to help him stay happy in his old age, or if I can help him at all. Even if you're not sure but you just have an idea of what I could do, please, please post it anyway. I want Rainbow to be as happy now as he was a year ago. Thank-you everyone. "
Fish Expert Needed [anybody Really]
well i looked up a little on an aquarium site im on and it said bettas normally live 2-3 years but 4-5 is possible but considering it was a sick petshop betta hes pretty lucky its lived to 3 (since im sure the bad store conditions stunted him a bit) so im guessing he is just aging
to make it easier to feed could he possibly have a tall decoration slant up towards the top of the tank so the betta can swim up the incling and rest on the decoration? i dont know if that would help its just an idea
i posted your question on that board so ill tell you if anyone has any different ideas
to make it easier to feed could he possibly have a tall decoration slant up towards the top of the tank so the betta can swim up the incling and rest on the decoration? i dont know if that would help its just an idea
i posted your question on that board so ill tell you if anyone has any different ideas
This is someone who got the name "Fish" by being obsessed with the creatures.
Yes, that fish is just getting old. Those are symptoms of old age more than any particular disease. Your friend should be glad he has lived so long! I have a betta at home that is now experiencing signs of old age. Not too sure about getting arthritis, but quite possibly there is something age-related going on with his physiology.
Make sure the betta is fed a balanced diet. Bloodworms are pretty good, but don't have all the nutrients good pelleted foods have (since they're only composed of one organism... how would you like to eat just apples you whole life, with no multivitamins or anything?). If he's not on a nice food now, I would consider switching to a well-formulated pellet food like HBH Betta Bites (I've been using them for years and they seem to be quite good). And treats are always welcome. Other than that there isn't much you can do, just keep the tank/bowl clean (weekly water changes at least), because poor water quality will definitely shorten what life expectancy he has left.
Hope that helps!
Yes, that fish is just getting old. Those are symptoms of old age more than any particular disease. Your friend should be glad he has lived so long! I have a betta at home that is now experiencing signs of old age. Not too sure about getting arthritis, but quite possibly there is something age-related going on with his physiology.
Make sure the betta is fed a balanced diet. Bloodworms are pretty good, but don't have all the nutrients good pelleted foods have (since they're only composed of one organism... how would you like to eat just apples you whole life, with no multivitamins or anything?). If he's not on a nice food now, I would consider switching to a well-formulated pellet food like HBH Betta Bites (I've been using them for years and they seem to be quite good). And treats are always welcome. Other than that there isn't much you can do, just keep the tank/bowl clean (weekly water changes at least), because poor water quality will definitely shorten what life expectancy he has left.
Hope that helps!
Thanx a bunch.