Why is my fish bent and having trouble swimming, even after fasting?

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.

Thanks for reaching out about Lenny and including a photo. By the description it sounds as if he has a swim bladder, hyper-inflation, spinal problem, or possible gas in the intestinal tract. A veterinary visit is recommended as radiographs are probably needed to assess the condition. Antibiotics might be needed, requiring injections and not additives in the water. Good luck.

A bent spine can be the result of poor nutrition, congenital defects, parasites, trauma or serious illness such as fish tuberculosis (TB). It is good that you isolated him. If the cause is either trauma or congenital, you might want to consider humanely euthanizing him. Before that though, you can try a broad spectrum anti parasite medication. You can purchase one at most pet stores in the Aquarium section. Check for adequate water quality and feed a species appropriate diet. If he doesn't improve or worsens, relieving his suffering may be the humane option.

Thanks for reaching out about Kiho. How often do you change out your food source. By the pictures, there seems to be a spinal curvature which is often associated with scurvy (vitamin C deficiencies). Vitamin C is not stable in foods. A veterinary visit is recommended to assess and provide a diagnostics/treatment plan. Anti-inflammatories could help mobility. Improving vitamin C at this point will not reverse changes. Check and correct water quality and pristine water is needed to recovery. Betta Fix does nothing but delay proper treatments. 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 water chemistry first. Use a home test kit or submit a water sample for testing. Aim for an absence (0 ppm) of ammonia and nitrites with nitrates at 20 ppm or less. Perform a partial water change to stabilize water chemistry and/or to improve water quality. Use only conditioned water that is temperature matched to prevent further stress or shock. Bettas do best between 78 F and 80 F. By your description, the issue may be swim bladder disease. This can be caused by infection (bacterial or parasites) or constipation. Maintain water quality as described above. Fast the fish for 3 days then resume feeding bits of cooked and shelled green peas. This will help with constipation. If this doesn't help. you can get a broad spectrum antibiotic from the local pet store. Look in the aquarium section. Follow label directions carefully and remove the carbon filter insert during treatment.

He may be dealing with some swim bladder issues. The swim bladder is what keeps a fish upright and controls buoyancy. Infection, poor water quality or constipation can affect the swim bladder. Perform a water change. Use aged or conditioned water that is temperature matched to prevent further stress or shock. My choice for conditioners are AmQuel and NovAqua. You can purchase them in most pet stores or fish stores. Bettas are warm water fish and do best between 78 F and 80 F. Anything below 75 F will be stressful. A small tank heater may be necessary to maintain proper temperature. Dissolve 1 teaspoon of plain aquarium salt (NOT table salt) per gallon of water in a cup of tank water and gently pour it in. This will act as a general tonic reducing stress, improving gill function and treating minor infection. Change the water daily to maintain quality and dissolve just enough salt to treat the water being replaced. Fast him for 3 days, then offer small bits of cooked, shelled green peas until defecation and swimming are normal. You can soak the bits in some garlic juice to stimulate his appetite and boost the immune system. Transition to a quality pelleted diet and fast for one day each week to maintain GI health.