BellaOnline Forums Home and Garden Fish I think my betta is dying

BTW, the symptoms you're describing do sound an awful lot like swim bladder disorder. Losing color or becoming dull in color can be a symptom of SBD too. If that's the case, then the information that CherylB gave is probably the best thing you can do for him.

I have a Hydor heater, too and I've had good luck with it. I only plug it in when the room temp is below 75 degrees or cooler. I've buried it under the gravel right below the intake for the filter. The first time I plugged it in, Claude played under there as though we'd just installed a new hot tub!

I'm in FL, so it doesn't get plugged in too often even in the winter. Usually only on the coldest nights, since we use our furnace very sparingly. I keep an eagle eye on the thermometer to be sure the temp stays pretty stable. I don't mind if it drops a bit at night and is warmer in the day, since that would mimic nature - as long as it doesn't drop out of the "green" that is! Can't give the fishie a bankie, afterall!

At any rate, Jessie, I'm sending good thoughts to you and Sparticus. Please post and let us know how he's doing - if you notice any other details or symptoms, pass them along, perhaps we'll be able to help.

I think it was already said, but if you had him over 2 years, and he was probably at least a year old when you got him, that's really good! They rarely live longer.

But.... one thing you can try just to see if he will perk up at least enough to eat something, put a mirror by him. Nothing will spark life into a male betta faster than seeing his own self in a mirror! If that doesn't perk him up, nothing will.
Be glad though, sounds like you gave him a very nice life. It may just be his time.

How is your Betta doing? Yes, his water temperature should be a couple degrees warmer. Did you try feeding the pea? That was a suggestion I would have made. You are a wonderful, caring person to take such great care of your Betta baby. I hope you and he are doing o.k. You could take a look at some articles here on the fish site at bellaonline.com about Betta fish, fish diseases and treatment, aquariums for Bettas, and all things Betta if you like - I hope that helps. It's true that many times they only live 2 - 4 years. I've read of them living longer, but it may be certain special circumstances of living conditions and be partially genetic, too - like in people, many times. I'm very sorry your fish is sick. I know you are doing everything you can to help him and make him comfortable and that it makes him feel comforted and that he appreciates it.