I can't figure out what is wrong with my betta :(

[Ashley427]

I have a 10 Gallon aquarium that stays between 70 to 75 degrees F. I have one male betta, one dwarf gourami, one blue gourami, and one comet goldfish in it. I've had these fish in this aquarium together for about 8 months or so. They all get along great together. These past couple days I've noticed that my betta has been staying on the bottom of the tank. Like he's sleeping. Except when I feed the fish, then he slowly swims to the top of the tank to eat and then he goes back to the bottom of the tank. He has a brilliant blue body with bright purple fins. But I've noticed that his abdomen (on the bottom of his bodie closer to the gills) has started to swell significantly and it is a goldish/brassy color. The swelling has his gills pushed up at an odd angle and he is breathing alot faster than usual. Can anyone help me?

[Tikibirds]

it would help if you answered as may of these as you can.
I dont know anything about the other fish but bettas should have a temp between 78-82F. If they are too cold they can get lethargic but i don't think that would cause swelling. From the top view, are his scales sticking out, like a pinecone? if so it may be Dropsy. I know nothing about it, otern then it makes them look like a pinecone. However there are many others here who can be of more help then I can.

Quote:
Housing
What size is your tank?
What temperature is your tank?
Does your tank have a filter?
Does your tank have an air stone or other type of aeration?
Is your tank heated?
What tank mates does your betta fish live with?

Food
What type of food do you feed your betta fish?
How often do you feed your betta fish?

Maintenance
How often do you perform a water change?
What percentage of the water do you change when you perform a water change?
What type of additives do you add to the water when you perform a water change?

Water Parameters:
Have you tested your water? If so, what are the following parameters?

Ammonia:
Nitrite:
Nitrate:
pH:
Hardness:
Alkalinity:

Symptoms and Treatment
How has your betta fish's appearance changed?
How has your betta fish's behavior changed?
When did you start noticing the symptoms?
Have you started treating your fish? If so, how?
Does your fish have any history of being ill?
How old is your fish (approximately)?

[Ashley427]

No, the only thing physicaly that has changed is that the swelling has made his gills sit in a strange postition. His scales are normal.

Housing
What size is your tank?
10 gallons
What temperature is your tank?
70 to 75 degrees F
Does your tank have a filter?
Yes
Does your tank have an air stone or other type of aeration?
Just the bubbles that the filter makes
Is your tank heated?
No, It stays about the same temp as the room it is in
What tank mates does your betta fish live with?
Blue gourami, dwarf gourami, and a comet goldfish

Food
What type of food do you feed your betta fish?
Tetra Color
How often do you feed your betta fish?
Twice a day
Maintenance
How often do you perform a water change?
Once a week
What percentage of the water do you change when you perform a water change?
25%
What type of additives do you add to the water when you perform a water change?
Ph control tablet, and Tetra conditioner for tap water (makes it safer and healthier for the fish)
Water Parameters:
Have you tested your water? If so, what are the following parameters?

Ammonia:
Nitrite:
Nitrate:
pH:
Hardness:
Alkalinity:

Symptoms and Treatment
How has your betta fish's appearance changed?
Swollen abdomen that is a goldish/brassy color
How has your betta fish's behavior changed?
He's become sluggish and depressed-like
When did you start noticing the symptoms?
A couple days ago
Have you started treating your fish? If so, how?
I haven't because I don't know what is wrong with him.
Does your fish have any history of being ill?
No
How old is your fish (approximately)?
The pet store said he was about 2 months old when I got him and I've had him for about 8 months so he's around 10 months old.

[Dozzem]

Mine had a similar issue! I gave him a salt bath as soon as I could and he is better :D
And what I have read, the temp is to low. I think its cute he has a goldy friend.

[coet]

If the scales aren't pine-coning or poking out then it may not be dropsy. Most swim bladder issues cause the betta to float up top. It may be constipation. I would fast your betta for two days to start to see if the swelling goes down. You can also add some Epsom salt, just be really careful with the dosage. I'm sure someone else can tell you the proper dose for your betta. I've read it before, but I just don't recall it right now. ^^; A picture would be helpful. Discoloration could be a lot of things. It could be fungus or bacteria, and I saw somewhere that it could even result from the cool water temperature.

He might be lethargic because the water is so cold. He needs to be in about 78* water. And if the temperature fluctuates that won't help him at all either. A heater would be good if you can invest in one because it will keep the temperature constant. An adjustable heater also allows you to treat your fish for illness better. Some illnesses need to have the temperature of your water raised to be treated more efficiently.

The goldfish has got to be rehoused. It's going to get a foot long and when it does it will require, at the bare minimum, 24 gallons of water. And, as a general rule of thumb, goldfish and tropical fish don't make good tank mates. Some people can pull it off nicely, but I don't recommend it.