And...thanks in advance for any insight someone might be able to offer. I've looked at tons of pics online and to me, nothing looks like this single white bubble on his lip.

 

Just this morning I gave him blood worms and he devoured them. Then I thought to try peas and he attacked it like he was starving (which he probably is).

Do bettas suddenly get finicky and stop eating their usual food?

 

No one has any suggestions?

I'm still trying to feed him and he's still not eating pellets. I assume he will starve himself? It's sad because he looks so desperate and I don't know what to do to help him. I hate watching fish die a slow death but I don't have the heart to flush him while he's still swimming.

 

Oh man, I'm sorry no one replied to your post My betta has a similar thing, and I've been trying to find out what it is. Good Luck!

 

Did you try crushing the pellets into a more manageable size? Maybe the spot is putting pressure on his mouth so he can't get the larger ones down?

I wouldn't put him down if he is still swimming and active otherwise.

 

Hi, I'm not too familiar with what might be the problem with your betta. I might guess some sort of fungal or bacterial infection which you can try treating with aquarium salt. (Read the sticky on diseases)

The reason I'm posting is to warn you that the active ingredeint in melafix (clove oil) is known to be toxic to bettas and other labyrinth fish. I would discontinue use of it and do a 100% water change ASAP

 

Bettas can indeed become finicky. If you worry about him not eating his pellets you can try soaking them in garlic which they like- some brands have garlic added to it to ensure bettas give them a good try.

Now as to his spot, it has a cottony look to it that might indicate that he has a fungal infection. Have you seen him trying to ram his face on things or dart about in a crazy way? These can be signs he is itchy.

When it comes to treating such things the first treatment is to use AQ salt in his water, this will slow the growth of a lot of freshwater organisms and give him a chance to kick it over himself without needing anything harsher.
If it starts to spread or the spot becomes fuzzier, also if you still see the spot at the end of the salt treatment (1 to 2 weeks) we might need to look into selecting a targeted treatment for him.

 

Bettas can not digest plants. I suggest getting frozen brine shrimp or frozen blood worms. No peas no garlic no plants!
With a tank that small they should be at least once a week minimum. 25%-50%.
You should never do 100% unless somethings wrong like ammonia, nitrites and nitrates are too high
It may be fungal. Polyguard will clear anything fungal or bacterial.

 

Hi! This thread is 9 years old at this point, so you're speaking to the void haha... Soaking food in garlic juice for your betta is okay as long as you aren't feeding the actual garlic. They like the flavor

 

Hello! I have no idea about the white bubble but I do have some suggestions as to what might help.
Getting a low flow filter would be better, as this helps circulation and collecting any debris and in general helps with water cleanliness.
Water changes should ideally be done weekly, and never 100%, as this can really stress out the fish and destroy any of the good bacteria that started to form, instead a 25%-50% water change weekly is recommended, I’d say do 50% given the fact you have a smaller tank which means the water quality gets worse quicker.
I would also recommend testing your water to help maintain the water quality, you can find what parameters and ph levels are good for bettas online.
I would highly recommend doing some research on betta care, there’s tons of articles and helpful videos for beginners, I know it’s a lot since I am a beginner myself but there’s no harm in learning vs harm you might be doing because you don’t know.
These things should help your betta thrive and hopefully get his appetite back, might even help with the bubble although I do not know what that could be. I hope he gets better!

 

@BettaloverSara fyi