Male Betta has bloated belly

[sheepyandfreddy]

Freddy has a very bloated belly that makes him look pregnant, and I know the cause isn't constipation because he's pooping alright, and I've done the pea treatment a few times already. I've recently only fed him 1-2 pellets per day, but he doesn't seem to be slimming down. What's wrong with him?

[Pataflafla]

No more pea method. Bettas cannot digest the pea because they are insectivores. That method is for constipated goldfish.

Fast him for 3 days (No food period). Is his poop normal-the color of his pellets, thick, and curled (Think cinnamon bun)?

A picture would be helpful in seeing the severity.

[Oldfishlady]

Welcome to the forum.....

What other symptoms does he have...if its just a big belly and he is eating and pooping.....it may not be anything to worry about...a pic would help and more information....copy and paste the sticky at the top of this section and add it to this thread...the more detailed the better.....

To add-short term use of green pea meat for constipation should not cause any long term problems, however, use/feeding of it long term can result in nutrition deficiency from poor absorption due to the short GI tract of this species.

As Pataflafla recommended-fast him for at least 3 days and maintain quality water.....you may need to change foods and/or add another food item to vary his diet.

[sheepyandfreddy]

Housing
What size is your tank? He has been moved to a 0.5 gall tank, because he got fin rot often in the 2.5 gall one
What temperature is your tank? no
Does your tank have a filter? no
Does your tank have an air stone or other type of aeration? no
Is your tank heated? no
What tank mates does your betta fish live with? no

Food
What type of food do you feed your betta fish? pellets + freeze dried blood worms
How often do you feed your betta fish? once a day

Maintenance
How often do you perform a water change? every 2 days
What percentage of the water do you change when you perform a water change? 50%
What type of additives do you add to the water when you perform a water change? water conditioner

Symptoms and Treatment
How has your betta fish's appearance changed? no
How has your betta fish's behavior changed? no
When did you start noticing the symptoms? 3 weeks ago
Have you started treating your fish? If so, how? pea treatment and fasting + less food
Does your fish have any history of being ill? he used to get fin rot but not recently
How old is your fish (approximately)? 1.5 years

[Myates]

Is that list you filled out from his home tank, or what you are doing in his QT tank?

The fin rot happens in poor water quality when they have a rip/tear in their fins- so letting us know the specifics for his home tank will allow us to help prevent it from happening again in the future. (How often and the % of water changes you do, temp, etc)

Not going to mention the treatment as it has already been covered. If he hasn't went down any after 3 days of no food, let us know and we can help you on the next treatment that should work.

If his poop is normal, you can go ahead and move him into his home tank. The tank itself won't cause fin rot- it's how you clean it and how often.

Freeze dried anything easily causes bloating if you aren't careful. They should be fed as a treat- once or twice a week, with only a couple at a time. Pre-soaking the couple of blood worms that you are about to feed in a bit of tank water for a minute or two will help out- as they expand inside of their stomachs.

Feeding only once a day isn't recommended, when you do you are for the most part either under feeding, or over feeding, neither is good. If they are the common pellets, 4-6 a day, spread between 2+ meals is ideal. If they say "mini" on the package, then 6-10 a day, spread between 2+ meals. Just make sure they say mini so you don't over feed. Also, one day a week fasting helps their system catch up.

[sheepyandfreddy]

Thanks for the help guys, but Freddy has passed away on 11/09. I did everything recommended but he wasn't getting better.

@Myates: It's his QT tank.

[Myates]

I'm so sorry for your loss :(