Injured betta

[Ribbit21]

We had a betta in a tank that went missing. Cleaned out the tank and no betta was found. I assumed the cat had figured out a way to get in the tank and either he jumped out or was scooped out. When the tank was empty we took in 2 pet bluegills from my brother. A few months later while giving the tank a good scrubbing I discover a betta!!! I have no idea where it has been hiding, because it hadn't been seen for at least 4 months. The only thing I can think of it that is was stuck inside the cavity of a decoration. Although, when I thought the cat had taken it, I had really cleaned out everything and even set it out of water to dry for a few days. The entire tank sat empty for at least a week. I feel horrible!!! When I found him he could barely swim and looked like he had some sort of injury to his mouth. Probably from the bluegills. Missing many scales, etc, etc, just in horrible shape. I don't have another free tank so he is currently in a larger betta bowl. Over that last week, his condition has improved a bit and he swims better. However, I think it either can't eat or has a lot of difficulty eating. When it tries to eat it spits out everything. He is not gaining any weight.

I have no idea what to do!!! I really don't want it to slowly starve to death!!

 

[GG.]

moved this to 911

you might also want to consult a fish forum -

sending healing energy and prayers

 

[Bokkapooh]

That sounds so horrible and sad Maybe he was stuck as you said, in a decoration, or in the filter? I'm not a fish expert. But maybe offer smaller food, like flakes? If you aren't already doing so.

 

[April]

Oh no,I have no advice but I hope he will be ok

 

[Thugluvgrl187]

Aw poor fishy. Those bettas can be really good hiders and like to get into the tightest of spots. I would say to to feed him small pieces of bloodworms. Most bettas love those. I am hoping your fishy will be ok.

 

[Birdiemarie]

I'm so sorry. I hope he will be ok. Here is the fish site I use. Although it is mainly for Goldfish they do discuss other species and have a very good section for help.

Koko's Goldfish Forum

 

[Ribbit21]

I have been trying super small flakes for days. He can suck in the flakes but is not swallowing. I talked with my vet just a bit ago. She suggested giving him a few more days, offering teeny flakes a few times a day and if nothing improves she instructed me on what to do to humanely euthanize him.

I feel so bad. I just can't believe he had been stuck somewhere for months. Poor little fishy!

 

[Birdbabe]

Im sorry, they are tougher than we think they are...maybe he just needs a bit more time.

 

[Daisy's Mom]

Aww poor thing.. I hope your little fishy feels better.. Sending over healing vibes..

 

[Ming-Ming]

Betta fish are very tough fish!
I recommend making sure the water is warm with a heater for the tank. There is something you can buy called BettaFix, and it helps with damaged fins and scales. My betta was being eaten by my pleco and lost all his slime and his tail and fins were damaged, but this stuff actually helped a lot, and you don't need to worry about overdosing.

I personally prefer to feed my betta fish pellets, as flakes make the water cloudy, but you can try getting some frozen blood worms and offer them to him on a skewer. I place the skewer with a little worm on it close to the fish, and that usually tempts them to eat it.

Good luck! I hope he pulls through!

 

[newf]

I have bettas, and this is the site I use for help. There are some great people on there that have helped me in the past. I hope he gets well soon. Good luck with your betta. You will need some aquarium salt to help his scales heal. One teaspoon per gallon of water, and do daily water changes. There is also a new fish food line called New Life Spectrum. They have betta food in very small pellets which he might be able to eat better. Blood worms are also a good idea. Protein etc. But check in with them and see what else they can tell you. It might help if you could post pictures on there as well so they can see what he looks like.

Betta Fish and Betta Fish Care

 

[waterfaller1]

Clean clean water!I would do 50% -75% every day.
An Indian almond leaf added to his water for the bacterial infection.This is what they use in Thailand after they fight them.{} There is also a betta elixer made from Indian almond leaves.

 

[waterfaller1]

I use this site for most betta info
UltimateBettas

 

[Ribbit21]

Thanks for all the suggestions....he passed away a little while ago. I was able to get a better look at him and it looks like his mouth was injured. I don't think he was capable of eating. Poor little guy. At least he's not suffering anymore.

 

[rikkitikki]

sorry to hear. Just found this thread, glad he's at peace now.

 

[April]

Thanks for all the suggestions....he passed away a little while ago. I was able to get a better look at him and it looks like his mouth was injured. I don't think he was capable of eating. Poor little guy. At least he's not suffering anymore.

Oh no,I'm so sorry for your loss.

 

[waterfaller1]

I am so sorry for your loss.

 

[kcbee]

I'm so sorry for your loss

 

[expressmailtome]

I am sorry for your loss.

Matt

 

[Ming-Ming]

So sorry