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You are here: Experts > Animals/Pets > Pet Fish > Fish > Beta fish
Expert: Amber Worman
Date: 11/12/2007
Subject: Beta fish
Question
We just recently got a beta for our dorm room. We've had him for about a month now and are keeping him in a fish bowl with plastic rocks and no filter or air apparatuses. All of a sudden today he started swimming frantically around his bowl. Then he swims down to the bottom and floats back to the top. It's like he can't release the air in his swim bladder to sink. He is constantly on the top of the water with the top of his back a little out of the water or near to it. We change his water regularly and use Aquafina to fill the tank. Hope you can help us out.
Thanks!!!
Answer
Hello Marinda-
How large is the bowl? 1.5 gallons is about the smallest you should keep a betta in, 2.5 gallons would be better. Bettas do not need a filter or an air stone, but they do need a heater. They are tropical fish, and need their water to be between 75-80 F. If you choose not to purchase a heater, a desk lamp can work. Is he swollen at all? If his scales are sticking out, it's not a good sign and there isn't much you can do for him other than keep him comfortable until he passes.
Hope this helps,
Amber Worman
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