Deformed betta

[Alcemistnv]

so after nearly a month with Banana, I think I've finally realized what might his problem, he seems to have a head deformity of some sort. His gills move much more than my other boys when he breaths (it looks like he's gasping for air). Also, his gills are shaped awkwardly, one of them comes to a round point instead of the ciircular shape they should have.

He can't flare like my others, instead he puffs his gill flaps out for a few seconds before putting them back down. This for some reason causes him to gasp and make bubbles :/

Is there something wrong with his labryinth?

Also, do you think he'll live long like this? It's been a month and he's gotten better (went from half dead to this), but I'm still afraid to find him dead when I wake up....

[dramaqueen]

Does he act ok otherwise? If he does then he's probably ok other than the deformity. I have no idea if this is affecting his labyrinth organ or not.

[Alcemistnv]

He acts okay, yes :)

Despite the random lounging on the bottom which has become habitual, everything is "betta" normal ^^

[Myates]

I wouldn't worry about it too much - as long as he is active and eats normal then he should be fine. Like most animals/people, they can learn to adapt to a deformity as long as it's not debilitating.

As for the bubbles you see coming out, most likely those are his exhales you are seeing - he takes in some new air, then expels the old through the gills.
Unsure about the gasping though - he may be a heavy breather, but as long as the gills aren't inflamed red, then I wouldn't worry about it too much. Just one to keep a little closer eye on is all :)

[josephjames1015]

My betta is the exact same- he can't flare like my other boy and he hangs out at the bottom but he acts normal and healthy otherwise. I wouldn't worry unless he gets worse.

[Alcemistnv]

He's been doing great so I guess there's no reason to worry :)

Happy one month for him ^^

[dramaqueen]

I'm glad he's doing ok.