I have a really sick fish. He gives every indication of having had a stroke. He has refused food for the last week and swims in little circles to the left. This was an immediate behavior change - up until that point, he'd been a happy healthy little fish.

He's dying and I can't help him and I don't want to go downstairs. I was hoping he would die overnight, but he's still struggling. I can't euthanize him.

I am very sorry about your fish, how long have you had him? I wish I could help you but never heard of a fish having a stroke. I've heard that the oxygen in the water can be used up and a complete change of water is needed, but the symptons are different I think. I hope he will go quickly or recover? who knows? Wishing you the best
Gladys

On old timer told me this and it has worked for me on occasion I have a sick fish.... a few drops of Iodine in the water, iodine not mercurachrome.

nothing to lose right ?

Sorry to hear that your Betta Fish is sick.

The first thought that came to mind was that it may be Swim Bladder Disease. I found a Betta website that gives information on diseases. I hope this helps.

http://www.bettatalk.com/betta_diseases.htm

Sorry to hear about your betta Cyreen. I hope some of the suggestions mentioned might help him or her. It's always distressing when any pet gets ill.

Sorry to hear about your poorly fish. I hope everything works out.

Darn, Cyreen!! I am so sorry to hear about your Betta!

What's so hard in this case is that your Betta lives in WATER!

I hope that what has been posted can be of help!

I, too, have wondered if your Betta is a young or older fish?

Please keep us updated.

Sending HEALING THOUGHTS WITH LOVE

Shi

I appreciate the good thoughts. He passed shortly after I posted. It's very hard to watch someone struggle, suffer and not help. I know all the ways to humanely euthanize a fish, but I couldn't do it. Maybe this struggle has a purpose (i.e. chicks hatching and butterflies emerging from cocoons). Energy doesn't die.

No, he wasn't old, Swimmer's Bladder is a result of overfeeding and generally corrects itself with fasting, and Betta don't require aeration they're surface breathers. My little guy started this behavior abruptly after a fasting day and a day after his water change. I age my water and his tank was changed at the same time as my female's and she was fine, so I knew it wasn't the water. My fish are treated for parasites when they arrive and I salt their tanks with every water change, so bacterial infection is also not an issue. Fish are just as susceptible to cancers, strokes and internal weaknesses as anything else and he behaved as if his left side were paralyzed, which is why I'm guessing stroke.

Tough day.

Sorry to hear he didn't make it Cyreen. I agree that life energy probably just gets recycled. If you don't mind me asking, and not to be insensitive, how do you humanely euthanize a fish?

Pithing or clove oil are two methods most recommended for home hobbyists who don't have access to veterinary solutions. I really can't go into detail.

Sorry you lost him Cyreen. I am always tempted to get one of these everytime I go in a shop and see them stuck in such a small bowl. I am sure yours had a wonderful existence. How long do they usually live?

Hugh

Sorry to hear that your Betta passed away Cyreen.

Comforting hugs,

Sorry to hear he didn't make it.

Thank you.

gnuretiree wrote: How long do they usually live?

Average life span for a betta is 2 to 5 years, barring unforeseeable health issues. The stores tend to encourage turnover by giving very bad advice about keeping them. If you do consider getting a betta, please see the caresheet in this thread (9th post):

Betta

It was my little dragon, Ajax, (the picture in that thread) that I lost yesterday. They are oddly, amazingly intelligent little fish.

Cyreen...I would like to add my heartfelt condolences for the loss of Ajax.

It's just as hard to lose a beloved fish as any other animal!

Sending comforting LOVE and HUGS at this sad time.

Shi

Cyreen, so sorry for your loss.

Linda

Thank you. I'm okay with death - suffering is my issue.

Cyreen, I am so sorry to hear about your Betta fish.... I have had them for years and I certainly understand how you feel...