How to Fix Bloat in My Betta

Clean water is essential for happy, healthy pet fish.

The most common causes of bloat in betta fish are constipation and dropsy. Betta fish are sensitive to both their environmental conditions and diet. Bacteria causes dropsy and it can be distinguished from constipation in betta fish by its characteristic spiky fins that look like pine cones. Unfortunately, dropsy is a serious medical condition for betta fish and there is no cure at this time. If you suspect your betta fish's bloat is caused by constipation, there are important steps to take to ensure your betta makes a full recovery.

Things You'll Need

• Clean water
• Carnivore fish food

Instructions

1. First make sure your betta fish's water is clean. Bloat can be a symptom that something in the fish's environment is wrong. A small fish tank should have its water changed every week.

2. Begin feeding your betta fish small portions of carnivorous food twice a day. The portion should be equal to the size of your betta's eyeball.

3. If bloat does not resolve itself after two days on a proper diet, consult with a veterinarian or fish store. They may be able to recommend antibiotic food to treat your betta fish.

Tips & Warnings

• Although some websites recommend feeding a bloated betta fish bits of a cooked and pealed frozen pea, their digestive systems do not handle vegetables well and this could make bloating worse.

References

• Dropsy; Ruling Out Constipation; Christie F.
• Betta Talk: Betta Diseases