Beta behaving oddly -- any Beta experts around?

My girlfriend has a Beta, purchased in March. About a week ago he
began acting oddly. According to her, he goes frantic whenever
someone comes near, swimming madly about. I've seen an example, and
he does get a little frantic. She says that last week he was covered
in some white misty something, but the medicine she purchased seems to
have worked because I can see no evidence of it now.

Anyway, here's the deal. Water was changed yesterday, he's begun
eating again (forgot to mention that part), though just a little.
When he goes frantic it appears very much to me that he's trying to
escape the 2.5g she's got him in. He then goes listless again,
floating near the surface, but not *quite* 100% upright. I was
thinking swim bladder, but he can sink and stay sunk when he
pleases....

She says she's never had one survive past 7 months, but that seems a
little short-lived to me. Can someone tell me how long they normally
live, and what she might do to extend their lifespans? She seems to
feed bloodworms, though I recall her making reference to pellets in
the past.

Thanks a bunch;
Duncan

On 8/5/03 10:35 PM, in article
, "Duncan A. McRae"
wrote:

She says she's never had one survive past 7 months, but that seems a
little short-lived to me. Can someone tell me how long they normally
live, and what she might do to extend their lifespans?

I've had them live a good year at least, would have probably been more if
not for some unfortunate accidental neglect of betta bowls...