Overweight Betta ???
 

I have a Betta who is a wee bit obese,... And I'm wondering if it is
really fat, or could it be a tumour of some kind. I don't know the
names of Betta anatomy, but from just behind his small side fins he has
a round gut, like as if he's swallowed a pea. He eats well, but he
likes to lay about like a couch potato, on some rocks that leave him
either just below the waterline, or so that his head is out of the
water, depending on at which end of the rock he lays on, looking like a
Betta equivalent to Emperor Nero lounging about on a royal divan, when
he's not swimming around. I've even taken to calling him "Fat Boy", even
though he's been called "Indigo" ever since I got him many months ago.
What do you folks think? Pax Vobiscum,...~Dean.

"Papa Red" wrote in message
...
I have a Betta who is a wee bit obese,... And I'm wondering if it is
really fat, or could it be a tumour of some kind.

First of all, how long has he had a swollen belly? If it has developed over
a short time, he's probably constipated. Is there evidence that he's
excreting regularly? Try feeding him a tiny piece of defrosted, de-skinned
softened green pea once a week, instead of his usual food, or give him
daphnia weekly or fortnightly. If you think he's constipated and the green
pea doesn't work, add epsom salts to his water, at a dose of 1/4 teaspoon
per gallon, and leave it in for up to 3 days.

How much do you feed him? Bettas can get overweight, particularly if
they're inactive. Overfeeding with pellet or flake food can also contribute
to constipation.

Dropsy is another possibility, particularly if the swelling developed
suddenly. Keep an eye on him in case he gets bloated looking all over, and
his scales start to stick out like a pinecone.

Vicki PS

As another has noted, it's either overfeeding or dropsy. To be safe,
cut *way* back on the amount of food you're feeding him and hope for
the best. Bettas can develop a swim bladder disorder if they're fed
too much. Although it's not fatal, it can hinder their ability to
swim. If he's hanging out in an "L" shape, you're feeding him too
much!

If it's dropsy (pinecone scales), it *is* very likely fatal. There are
medicines out there that some folks have had success with, but not
always. Good luck, and hope that it's not dropsy.

dragon

I think that he has that disease that you both mentioned, 'dropsy',
because on his left side, unlike the more rounded fat right side, there
is a pronounced rounded point besides the bulge like on the right side.
I have placed him in a one gallon container right next to where I am
sitting, where I spend most of my time, so that I can keep an eye on
him. He seems to be a bit lethargic, but he has a history of being
somewhat a couch potato. Any more suggestions on what I should do would
be appreciated. Pax Vobiscum,...~Dean.