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My fish is dead but it hasn't floated so it must be alive still. It was a female Siamese fighting fish that I've only had for a month or so and it died of unknown causes but it was healthy when we checked yesterday and all of the levels are fine how they are. Also s fish i had before died by getting stuck behind the filter but that must not be anything relating to this death as it wasn't present in the tank when it happened. Can you help me know what to do next please!

My fish is dead but it hasn't floated so it must be alive still. It was a female Siamese fighting fish that I've only had for a month or so and it died of unknown causes but it was healthy when we checked yesterday and all of the levels are fine how they are. Also s fish i had before died by getting stuck behind the filter but that must not be anything relating to this death as it wasn't present in the tank when it happened. Can you help me know what to do next please!

Updated On May 21st, 2017

Pet's info: Fish | Unknown - Fish | Female | 2 months and 4 days old

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Answered By Joy Fuhrman, DVM, MBA, CPA

Veterinarian

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I am assuming that you think your fish is dead because it is swimming on its side. If this is the case, then it may very well still be alive. This behavior can be due to a number of reasons, the first being high nitrate levels in the water. Even though you have checked the water levels, I would recommend a 20% to 25% water change every other day and see if her health improves. You might also want to raise the temperature a degree or two since warmer water boosts the immune systems and metabolism. A sideways orientation sometimes occurs from bloat (overfeeding). Skip one day of feeding and then give Master Fu half the amount of food you usually give to see if this will correct the problem. Finally, Master Fu could also be suffering from a viral or parasitic swim bladder disease. If none of the other recommendations resolve the issue, you will need to speak to a veterinarian about appropriate testing and treatment for this disease.

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    Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

    Licensed Veterinary Technician

    These fish are typically kept alone as they can be very aggressive, even the females. Harmony can be achieved in a community tank if housed with species such as corys, tetras or ghost shrimp are common tank mates. Bettas live in slow moving water, thus water flow from the filter must be decreased to the lowest level. Proper water chemistry should be confirmed with a home test kit or by submitting a water sample for testing. Most pet stores or aquarists will do this for free or for a nominal fee. Use aged water or treated water for the tank. Water temperature should range between 78 F and 80 F (25.5C - 26.5C). Use a heater if temps are apt to drop below 74 F (23.5C). Allow the tank several weeks to properly establish a nitrogen cycle before repopulating it.

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