Betta Experts?

[JustaLilBitaLuck]

Anyone an expert on bettas? My fish has been pretty lethargic the last couple days, laying on the bottom of the tank. Every few minutes he'll dart around the tank, but it's very frantic-like, and he's kind of curled when he does it. He definitely doesn't seem normal. Suggestions?

EDIT: He's in a 2.5 gallon tank, no tankmates. No filter. He gets a 50% water change every week or so, and a 100% change every two weeks. I use filtered (Brita) water with a water conditioner.

[GatorDog]

Is he cold/do you have a heater?

[Xandra]

From the behavior I'd guess parasite, but usually you see those. Look at him carefully for any weird specks or weird coloration.

[JustaLilBitaLuck]

No heater, but my house is quite warm - the tank is probably 72 degrees or so?

I can't see any weird specks or spots - he's looking quite scraggly though.

[Xandra]

Originally Posted by JustaLilBitaLuck

No heater, but my house is quite warm - the tank is probably 72 degrees or so?

I can't see any weird specks or spots - he's looking quite scraggly though.

What do you mean by scraggly? Are his fins in good shape?

[crazedACD]

How long have you had him?

It doesn't sound good, I don't tend to get bettas back when they start doing this. I would definitely change part of the water every other day for right now (use a baster or something so you aren't stressing him out too much). Try a little bit of aquarium salt too.

[JustaLilBitaLuck]

Originally Posted by Xandra

What do you mean by scraggly? Are his fins in good shape?

They're very thin, almost like hair-thin.

I will be picking up some stresscoat and aquarium salt.