Vision / Senses Issues Due to Old Age?

[Stewart]

My Beta is probably 2 1/2 years old (bought him at a PetSmart 2 years ago). 5 gallon tank, proper filtration, feeding, water changes, etc.

The last (2) months he seems to be losing his vision even though I do not see any grayness in his eyes. He is still interested in feeding but I have to literally put a beta bite 1" directly in front of his face or he doesn't seem to notice it. And while he still aggressively bites it, many times I will see him holding it in his mouth for a few minutes and eventually letting it go. I have been good about removing the uneaten food from the tank and doing additional bottom cleanings to remove uneaten particles.

I used to mix up his feed between Beta bits, flakes, Daphnia and bloodworms w/ an occassional anti-bacterial beta bit feeding. He used to eat everything very aggressively but now he won't even go near anything other than beta bits (and only the regular type, not the medicated type).

His activity level in general is down but he is not stationary and doesn't spend extended periods on the top or bottom of the tank.

I am assuming this is just a sign of old age and after 2 1/2 years (or possibly a bit longer) his days are winding down.

Any feedback would be appreciated.

[Stewart]

I should have noted that his color is still good and his fins are in good shape.

[Stewart]

And here is a picture of the old man lounging on his plant tonight.

[jeffegg2]

2 1/2 years of dry food? And you would not get bored of that??

Jeff.

[Stewart]

Any feedback (other than the helpful response from Jeff)?

[Hallyx]

There seems to be a certain reticence about this subject. We did discuss it a few weeks ago, if this is any help:

http://www.tropicalfishkeeping.com/b...ng-old-104954/

[jeremywadejunior]

To me it sounds like he has a loss of appetite.. maybe look into betta fish diseases? I've heard adding aquarium salt has good benefits, if you don't already use it.

[Stewart]

I do use aquarium salt and his appetite seems to be OK...he aggressively tries to get the food but literally misses it.

[Aahnay]

Id stop using the salts now. If you have been using them the whole time that could be the problem, from what ive read here.

[Hallyx]

Most experienced keepers around here recommend salts only as treatment, not as a regular practice.