is my beta fish dying?

its love

New member
he's very lethargic, he's not eatting, he's burying him self under rocks in his bowl and his tail looks very ratty.. laying on his side ..
 
Burying himself? Does it appear as though he is scratching?

He could very well have contracted a parasite such as velvet. Unfortunately this is common for a bowl-bound betta. Bettas are tropical fish and require an appropriate tropical temperature of 77F-82F to thrive. When subjected to cooler temperatures for an extended period they are under a lot o stress which lowers their immune system and makes them susceptible.

If you can confirm the cause of his behavior I would purchase an appropriate set up and medication to treat him. In some cases all that is required is good water quality, aquarium salt, and the correct temperature.

To thrive, a betta should have about a five gallon aquarium with both filtration and heat. Bowls do not cut it.

~Bettas can live 5-7 years. Unfortunately the average is probably more like 3 years because of the many misconceptions on their care.
 
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