Football Is Constipated

This stinking fish is still alive...and apparently he's backed up. Aunt Mel has diagnosed the problem and I think she's right on point!

From http://www.allexperts.com/:

Question:
I've had the beta for about 2 months in a wide vase with a rooting plant in it. Last week he began acting strange. After some observation, I discovered that the fish is floating. He struggles to swim to the bottom when food sinks, then he immediately floats to the top again. Today, I noticed hem eating air bubbles--maybe thats part of the problem. If there's a solution I'd like to try it.

Thanks
PAUL

Hi Paul,
It sounds like he is constipated and now has gas in his intestines. This is common in bettas kept in environments that are too cool, they are overfed, or are not kept clean.

So, first get him to a warmer area in your home. His water needs to be 78 to 82 all the time. You may have to put a heat source such as a desk lamp on him, especially at night, if it gets below 75 in the room.

Keep his container clean by replacing all the water once or twice a week. Then, feed him tiny chunks of thawed frozen green peas to help his digestion. Don't feed any other foods until he is feeling better. Then, feed him very small amounts of his regular food only once a day from then on. If you feed pellets he only needs 2 to 4 a day.

Male bettas look like they are eating bubbles but are actually doing one of two things; Gulping air from the top to store in their labyrinth, or building a bubble nest. A Betta's labyrinth is an organ designed to store air to let them live in low oxygen water. If there isn't any oxygen in the water their gills aren't going to do much good for them.

Male bettas also blow bubbles at the top to make a nest in preparation for breeding. Here are some sites for learning more about Bettas and their needs;
http://www.healthybetta.com/
http://www.bettatalk.com/