Edited version: What is wrong with my beta?

[vickramreddy]

I have a 4 year old 2.5 inch male beta fish

pretty cold water

story: he was eating perfectly fine until yesterday

now, he just hangs out at the bottom of the bowl
he will move if u touch him

movement: when nudged he will swim fast to the top of the bowl and will do biting motions then he circles the bowl doing biting motions
occasionally he will look like he is trying to go through the walls of the bowl

HE WILL NOT EAT NETHING!
IT WAS SPONTANEOUS<NO GRADUAL DECREASE IN APPETITE

thank u for reading, plz help

[JamieTron]

Have you changed his diet recently? sometimes they are picky eaters.

My old beta started to act this way once he was really old...perhaps it could be old age 4 years is a long time for a betta to live.

but you should check to see if there are any other signs of illness so people can better diagnose the problem. Like any lesions, dull color, fin damage etc...

I forgot to add...cold water can cause them to become lethargic and have a lowered metabolism, resulting in less food consumption. If you can place the tank in the warmest area of the room or your warmest room. The water should be in the high 70's in temperature.

[kelly528]

I am going to be honest with you, I think this betta is at the end of his life. Consider yourself lucky you had him with you for this long-- you have been keeping him at the wrong temperature in the wrong size tank for years. Most people who kep their bettas in bowls aren't as lucky as you... Should you get another betta, you can read here http://www.tropicalfishkeeping.com/b...are-faq-20058/ about how you can extend his lifespan.

[dramaqueen]

I had one in a half gallon vase that lived to be 4 years old.

[Zenandra]

Cold water may be an issue. Sometimes poor water quality can sometimes cause them to do the spazzy, erratic swimming that you described. But i think he might just be plain old and has come to the end of his journey here on earth.