When you feed your Betta extra food, they start to feel distressed. However, the Bettas won’t reject the food; they will face the consequences for it afterwards.
When their abdominal area starts getting bigger, it leads to severe health issues. Don’t delay the treatment of a bloated Betta fish. Read along for the best methods to treat your Betta’s bloated belly.
What Happens When Betta Splendens Are Bloated?
When Bettas feel bloated, their stomachs get big in an unusual way, looking like swollen belly. Your Betta seems lethargic and does not swim actively.
What Are The Causes of Betta Fish Bloating?
The following are the major causes that lead to the bloated appearance of Betta fish.
Overfeeding
It is one of the most common causes of bloating in Betta fish. As I said, there is no full stop when Betta starts to eat.
When you see your Betta eating everything, you start giving them more and more, eventually overfeeding your Betta fish.
Bacterial Infection
Parasites, bacteria, and viruses present inside the water can cause your Betta to become bloated. These unseen bacteria attack Bettas’ internal organs.
The only way to know the health of internal organs in case of bloating is to get your Betta tested by a veterinarian.
Water Parameters
When you keep your Betta in an aquarium, the water quality matters a lot. If any water parameter is disturbed, Bettas feel stress, which leads to health issues like bloating and lethargy.
Bettas require warm water temperature to eat their food. A slight drop in temperature leads to constipation. Even small water changes can directly effects the mood of the Betta fish.
Improper Diets
Your Bettas cannot survive long on plant-based diets. They are carnivorous species and thrive on live foods like larvae, shrimps, daphnia, etc.
Too many aquatic plants in their diet also leads to bloating, as they constipate their stomachs and protrude in many different ways.
What Are The Symptoms of Bloating In Betta Fish?
The most common symptoms include clumsiness, staying at the bottom of the tank, unusual breathing patterns, enlarged belly, and clamped fins.
Bettas love to swim and love to prey, which is why they are called the Siamese Fighting Fish. But when any of the above symptoms start to appear, their activeness decreases.
How To Take Care Of Betta with Bloated Stomach?
Wrong food and inadequate water quality lead to bloating in Betta fish. Note the points and follow it word by word.
- Feed your Betta with fresh food.
- Bettas are carnivorous, a protein-rich diet is necessary.
- Water temperature should be between 72-82 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Feed your Betta fish twice a day in small portion.
- Avoid overcrowding and put tank mates that don’t disturb Betta’s diet routine.
- Test water quality on a regular basis.
Does Bloating In Betta Fish Lead To Dropsy?
Yes, when bloating gets bad, it leads to Dropsy.
What Is Dropsy?
A Dropsy is a condition in which a certain fluid forms inside Betta’s body and tissues. The fluid formation is caused by the kidney or gills not working properly.
It is usually fatal in most cases. It is better to consider euthanasia when your Betta fish develops Dropsy symptoms.
What Causes Dropsy?
Poor water quality, illness like fin rot, or internal injury to the Betta fish are the main causes of Dropsy.
What Are The Symptoms of Dropsy?
Betta fish with Dropsy have a bloated belly that looks odd even from afar. It makes the Betta scales look like pinecones. Additional symptoms are same as constipation like lethargy, color loss etc.
How To Treat Dropsy?
Dropsy mostly leads to fatality, but it can still be treated in some cases. But I suggest getting a veterinarian’s advice before taking any step.
- Add some water salts as it matches the salinity of the water from time to time.
- Regular maintenance of water without giving a shock to Betta fish.
- Give the antibiotics as prescribed by the Betta fish.
How To Prevent Dropsy?
The following points should be taken to prevent Dropsy.
- Test water for ammonia and nitrates residue with water testing kits.
- Regular water changes.
- Remove waste and uneaten food without delay.
- No overfeeding.
- Make an immediate visit to the vet in case of any symptoms.
Does Bloating Lead to Swim Bladder Disorder?
Yes, bloating, in extreme cases, leads to swim bladder disease.
What is Swim Bladder Disease?
A swim bladder keeps the fish afloat. It happens when your Betta fish is constipated.
What Cause Swim Bladder Disease?
Overfeeding and high nitrites in the water lead to swim bladder diseases. The swim bladder is compressed, and the fish has difficulty swimming.
Symptoms Of Swim Bladder Disease
The main symptoms of swim bladder disease include difficulty swimming, loss of interest in food, a curved back, and lethargy.
Swim Bladder Disease Treatment
The best way to treat swim bladder disease is to let your Betta fast for 2-3 days. It helps Betta remove excess gas in the bladder. Water quality is also necessary to treat this disease.
What Is Malawi Bloat?
Malawi bloat is not a disease but a symptom that can lead to major problems in the future. In Malawi bloat, abdominal swelling occurs.
Symptoms like breathing problems and not eating food properly are common in Malawi bloat. It is mainly caused by bacteria and parasites present in the water.
To avoid it, offer a good-quality diet and fulfill all water parameters.
Does Bloated Belly Means Betta is Pregnant?
Your Betta fish may be pregnant when bloating signs are present. It is better to consult your veterinarian to confirm whether it is pregnancy or your fish suffers from constipation.
Final Thoughts
Betta fish are precious and beautiful. A slight disturbance in their routine greatly impact their life.
I hope my comprehensive guide will help you detect Betta fish bloating as early as possible. Follow the care guide and never compromise your fish’s health.
