Betta rescue help --

[happypappy]

OK, so I did the rescue thing again -- This little guys is amazing, but I need your opionions on what is wrong with him, so that I can make the best decisions for him.

His finnage looks great, BUT he:
-floats on his side at the top.
-cannot swim down more that 4 inches
-has recently been able to get straight-up for a little time.
-appetite is great and he has been this was at least 6 weeks.

I am currently keeping him in a 1 gallon mini=bow that is only half full and do 100% water changes every 2 days.

He looks like he has a permanent curvature and a bladder issue.
What are your opinions???

Thank you for your help and suggestions.

[Laki]

Looks like some spinal deformity. And yes, swim bladder. . I don't know how to treat this, but I'm subbing so I can se what others say. :)

[happypappy]

Thanks for your response -- I am trying to decide whether to let him keep on or to euthanize. So far he seems ok and he certainly looks good. Just want some opinions so i can do what is best for him .....

[registereduser]

If you solve his bladder issues and he still swims upside down, it's your call. If he seems happy, doesn't bite his tail, eats well and is active, you might want to keep him. If he seems stressed or has any trouble at all, I personally would euthanize.

[Frazzle]

Beautiful little guy. Such a vibrant red.

[Silverfang]

I'd try epsom salt, it can do wonders for swimming issues. Start at 1 tsp/gal then bump it up to 2 the next day. You can get him up to 3, and they can be left on epsom salt long term.

You want plain unscented dye free epsom salt, magnesium sulfate. You can get it in a pharmacy or pharmacy department.

[KcSaf]

^ +1

[happypappy]

Thanks! I think eveything else has been tried on him when he was at petsmart and I was going to try either plain salt or epsom salts. I think it is worth a try! will let you know how he does...

[MollyJean]

Table Salt has iodide in it, which is harmful for the fish, never use it. Epsom salt is the way to go for this. The poor thing, he's so pretty, though!

[Laki]

ohmygoodness NEVER plain table salt!!
real aquarium salt is at walmart (which are open ike 24 hours) for like 3$..