I hate this part =(

[Indyfishy]

Our old male, Gorton, is getting ready to pass away. His swim bladder has completely failed him, he can no longer swim straight or stay bouyant. He's been laying on his side all day. I hate seeing them suffer at the very end. I don't have the means to put him down humanely, and I'm sorry, but I don't think I have it in me to crush his head X(. This is definitely the worst part of betta keeping. I wish we had an aquatic vet around here, or atleast some easy access to clove oil. But the poor guy is still fighting, he just won't give up. It's amazing how these little guys keep struggling on even when all hope is lost. I'm just hoping he passes quickly, I'd hate to see the little guy stay like this for much longer

[copperarabian]

My grandma had a gold fish who's swim bladder failed, so she made aq fishie harness for him with a float so he could still swim, maybe you could try? Sadly betta fish don't last as long as goldfish :(

[purplemuffin]

A fish harness? That sounds adorable and sweet, but couldn't that get the fish sick? I know we don't want to mess with their slime coat much as that keeps them safe and healthy, and it seems like a harness could rub the slime coat a lot, keeping the fishie exposed. Still, better than not being able to swim at all!

:( Poor old guy, sounds like he's had quite a few adventures and an amazing life!

[Indyfishy]

Thanks so much for the support you guys!!! A harness sounds great for goldfish, but bettas are so tiny... And he's really frail right now so I'm reluctant to stress him out too much. I've put him in a small fish bowl with the water level lowered way down, and he seems to be doing ok in that. He's even been laying on the bottom on his belly instead of on his side, which I suppose is a good sign. But he's stopped eating =(

[Krys]

Are you sure it's just not swim bladder disease? Cause that's treatable.

[Indyfishy]

Positive. He's four years old and he's been having trouble for awhile now, he's just at the end of his life =/

[Alienchick017]

Thats so sad.. Its horrible to have to watch them suffer :(

[ManInBlack2010]

i absolutely hate seeing them suffer! i went through this recently after rescuing some fish from a friend, both had swim bladder infections and had problems moving around and would just lay on the bottom and breath heavily

my thoughts and prayers are with you and your poor guy!

[Arashi Takamine]

Oh god I know exactly how you feel. When reading on how to euthanize them from sheer curiosity I was honestly horrirfied. I couldn't do that to them never...As long as he's comfortable then...I don't know what to say.

[Indyfishy]

Thanks for all the support you guys, it means sooooo much. Gorton passed away some time in the night =( I'll miss the little guy, but I'm soooo glad his suffering is over.