AboutLynda Expertise I can help you with cichlids, african cichlids, betta fish. I have bred most of them, including the Discus, and Angel Fish, and Rams. I have also bred many african cichlids. I have bred bettas too...well I am a fish nut! I can help you with most diseases, and have experience in setting up a tank. I can tell you tricks on keeping your water alkaline without products. I also speak and write french. I have experience with salt water fish, but would rather not get into that field.
Please when writing to me, give me detailed information. The size of your tank, your water chemistry, etc. The more I know, the more I can help you. I cannot guess at what you have, so please give me information and I will do my outmost to help you with any question you ask me.
Please do not ask me questions on Goldfish, mollies, platies, and guppies. Lynda
Experience I have worked in Petshops in the fish department...was Manager in two...and alot of my experience came from my home where I had 26 aquariums from 20 gallons to 200 gallons.
Publications I have a MSN group but it has nothing to do with fish
Education/Credentials I have finished high school, and went to college, in accounting
Question I have a Betta Fish that has been kept in a 1/2 gallon bowl with only a couple of rocks at the bottom and the water is changed every week. He is kept next to other Betta who are active. The Betta has lost his vibrant colors and some length to his fins, he is lethargic and when he moves it is abnormal. He still eats and is alert. I also noticed that it looks as if his gills are open just a jar and his throat is pale and swollen. What now?
Answer Hi Samantha,
A betta should not be kept close to other bettas where they can see each other, this causes them stress, and they get very sick.
They should be kept in 5 gallon heated tanks. They are tropical fish, and are cold under 78 degree water. Keeping them in bowls, one gallon tanks, mirrored tanks, and vases, is cruel, through no fault of your own, but fault on the vendor who does not care, gives bad advice, and is there just to make a buck. So many gadgets are sold for the Betta. He is one of the most mistreated fish on the market. Betta may live in shallow waters, but they have lots of place to swim. They should have a little toy that they can go through, and a silk plant that they can rest on. Bettas kept in small bowls, will get sick, are cold, and live miserable unhappy lives.
Seeing as he is now in a 1/2 gallon tank, he should have complete water changes twice a week. Do a water change, feed him a frozen cooked pea with the outer layer removed cut into tiny pieces. Feed him nothing else for a day or two. He must waste. He should have one pea a week, and on the day you feed him the pea, he should fast. A swollen throat is a sign of Swim Bladder Disease which is due to constipation, and poor diet.
He also has fin and tail rot which is due to poor water conditions. Cure him with an antibiotic, such as Tetracycline. Be careful not to overdose.
I hope the little man pulls through.
Lynda
