AboutAmber Worman Expertise I specialize in Gouramis, Black Moors, Fantail goldfish, and Bettas. I can answer questions about fish behavior, tank mates, diseases, and living conditions. I do not have much experience with breeding these types of fish, however.
Experience Fish are my passion - I have raised these types of fish for as long as I can remember. I am a college student at Purdue University where I have a major in Biology and a position as a lab technician in a fish laboratory.
Expert: Amber Worman Date: 2/17/2008 Subject: my beta's behavior
Question Hi,i just got this BEAUTIFUL new betta and introduced it to my other betta.I've had this other betta for about 2 years.It's a female.My female is now going completely physco!She's acting like a 3 year old with TOO MUCH SUGAR!shes swimming sideways doing loop de loops and cant seem to swim like other bettas do.She can only swim upside down or side ways.She cant swim to the bottom of the bowl if she tries she just floats right back up to the top.Is this because of my new batta,or is it she's just getting old???PLEASE HELP!!!
Answer Hello Laura-
You shouldn't be keeping two females in one bowl, since they can be very territorial and will fight to claim space. It would be best to get two bowls, or a small fish tank (5-10 gallons) for your females.
It sounds as though your female who can't swim might have a case of either dropsy or swim bladder disease. This is very common in female bettas, especially once they get older. Try dosing with Melafix and some aquarium salt, and lowering the water temperature to about 70 F. Feeding a bit of a green pea every few days may also help.
It can be very hard to alleviate the symptoms of these illnesses, and in the case of dropsy, nearly impossible. Try to keep your girl as comfortable as possible until she recovers or passes on.
