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Post by lady on Aug 5, 2003 18:33:14 GMT -5
I just wanted to say that I stumbled on this board when my betta Fishy (sorry first fish unoriginal name) started acting unlike his usual self. I've had him for 2 1/2 years so according to what I learned on here, he was actually around 3 or older. He used to be a very active friendly fish, he would nibble on your finger and follow you around if you moved around his tank. Over the past month or so he got really lethargic, his scales started to look strange (don't really know how to describe) but he would still eat when I fed him. Unfortunatly he passed away on Thursday nite. I just wanted to thank everyone on here for all the great info I've gotten and will still get as I love this site. I have another betta - Hunter. He's pretty cool. He's lonely now because he doesn't have anyone to "play" with so I'm sure I'll get another one for Fishy's old tank. Just wanted to say thanx.
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Post by Rachel - old on Aug 5, 2003 21:06:22 GMT -5
Sorry to hear about poor Fishy. 3 years is pretty good for his little life!
I'm glad you were able to find the information you need here! When you say his scales looked strange, I wonder if he developed dropsy. Maybe you'd like to check out the "Dropsy" description on the HB homepage under "Illness & Cure Info" to see if he met any of those symptoms.
Rest in peace little one..
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Post by lady on Aug 5, 2003 21:52:06 GMT -5
Well I did look for some pictures of dropsy, and that's what my fish pretty much looked like. Can old age cause this? I know Fishy had a long happy life. I feel bad that I chalked it up to old age. I dont know if I could have done something to make him better now. He didn't seem to be in any pain or suffering before he died, just seemed worn out. But if you can let me know if dropsy is caused by old age and what I could have done (if anything) the information would be appreciated. I love bettas and plan on buying more. Eventually I would like to learn more about and someday attempt to breed them but that's a long time off. Thanx
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Post by Rachel - old on Aug 6, 2003 23:40:14 GMT -5
Unfortunately, no one is quite sure what causes dropsy. From what I've heard of it, it does tend to hit older bettas. The very sad thing about dropsy is that it is very hard to treat and there is essentially no cure. By the time you see the swelling and raising of the scales it is usually too late, although you would never know otherwise. It is caused by a buildup of fluid in the kidneys because the fish is unable to excrete sodium from their body, causing them to swell. One of the ways to possibly help them be more comfortable is taking the aquarium salt out of the water if you use that. Some people recommend adding Epsom salt to the water or a broad-spectrum antibiotic. If little Fishy did have dropsy he probably wasn't in much pain. It sounds as though he did live a wonderful long life and it was just his time to go. They are such amazing little guys, aren't they? Fishy was lucky to have you!  |
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Post by BettaBGood on Aug 13, 2003 13:45:30 GMT -5
R.I.P., Fishy  lady, so sorry about your loss, but at least you had him for a good, long while! When you're ready, (although no replacement for Fishy) sound like Hunter will be grateful for a new buddy... |
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Post by lady on Aug 13, 2003 16:27:55 GMT -5
I just wanted to thank you all for being so nice to me regarding my poor fishy. I did end up falling in love with one I saw today and he now lives next door to Hunter to keep him company. I haven't named him yet, but they seem to be having a great time swimming back and forth and flareing up at eachother. When I can get some decent pics of the two of them I will post them on the picture page. Thanx again.
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