My betta is very sick, not eating, and has a curved spine. What to do?

Recheck water chemistry to confirm 0 ppm ammonia and nitrites with nitrates at 20 ppm or less. A pH of 7 is fine and they can adjust to more acidic water as long as the change is gradual. Temperature should range between 78 F and 80 F. Plain aquarium salt (NOT table salt or epsom salt) can be used as a general tonic to reduce stress, improve gill function, treat minor infection and aid in recovery. Dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt per gallon of water in a cup or two of tank water and gently pour it into the tank. Perform partial water changes every couple of days to maintain water quality. Treat only the volume of water being replaced. Treat with aquarium salt for no more than 14 days then reassess the condition. An antibiotic, such as kanamycin or erythromycin, can be found in the aquarium section of the local Petco if the salt treatment doesn't help. Follow label directions carefully and remove the carbon filter insert during treatment if indicated.

Thanks for reaching out about Freddie. A curvature of the spine can displace the swim bladder making swimming difficult. Vitamin C deficiencies (scurvy) can cause spinal deformities and is usually the result of old food. Fish food should be purchased new every 2-3 months as vitamin C degrades quickly. A veterinary visit is recommended for radiographs to determine the status of the swim bladder and determine if antibiotics are needed. Radiographs might also determine if anti-inflammatories for spondylosis can help. Good luck.

Confirm proper water temp. Bettas do best between 78 F and 80 F. Low temps may lead to stress and illness. You can also try a small amount of plain aquarium salt (NOT table salt). Salt can aid healing and acts as a general tonic. Use 1/2-1 teaspoon per gallon of water. Driftwood or Indian Almond Leaf can also be used to condition water.

Check the water quality. This can be done with a home test kit or you can submit a water sample for testing. Most pet stores or aquarists will do this for free or for a nominal fee. Correct any imbalances as indicated. Check the water temp as well. Aim for 78 F to 80 F. Use a tank heater to prevent temps below 74 F. Offer a good quality pellet such as Hikari BioGold. You can also feed blackworms or bloodworms. Live worms may get him eating. Freeze dried tubifex worms may also stimulate his appetite. If there are no outward signs of bacterial or fungal infection, consider parasites. You can use metronidazole for fish. It is sold in most pet stores in the aquarium section. Follow label directions and gauge his response after treatment. The raised scales are a concern because that can be a symptom of dropsy. Dropsy is common in bettas and usually fatal. It is typically accompanied by a swollen abdomen though. Fish tuberculosis is another serious concern. This is a slow, progressive illness that can kill fish and ruin tanks/bowls. Start with the basics as listed above. Try water changes with conditioned water and offer different foods to get Thorin eating. You can request a consultation to discuss his condition in greater detail and for additional resources.

Thanks for reaching out about Freddie. A bent body is often a spinal disease, possibly a dislocation or fracture. Vitamin C deficiencies are common if the the pellets or flakes are not replaced every few months. Trauma, infections or stray electrical voltages are also possible. A veterinary visit is recommended to assess and provide a diagnostic plan. Good luck.

Thanks for reaching out about Flippy. A veterinary visit is highly recommended. Testing water quality for ph, ammonia, nitrites and nitrates, correcting any concerns. Water must be dechlorinated for several hours at least, prior to adding to the tank. Laying on the bottom could be a sign of a swim bladder infection and loss of buoyancy. Systemic antibiotics, not water additives, are recommended. Bettafix as a water additive does little for systemic infections. Good luck.

Thanks for reaching out about Inferno and including photos. Have you tried contacting local fish clubs or koi clubs for suggestions of a veterinarian? Test and correct water parameters. Sub-optimal water quality, nutritional deficiencies, bacterial infections, parasitic problems are the most common. By the photos, he appears slightly thin and scales dull. Vitamins and nutrients degrade in fish food rapidly, so should be re-purchased every 3 months. A skin scrape and microscopic examination at a veterinarians office should provide answers to skin parasites and possible infections, then a treatment plan can be implemented. Good luck.