Is my Betta dieing?

[vanilla.soda]

HI. So, I have my Betta in a 3 gallon tank, heater and all. I do water changes and he eats. But he has had past sicknesses.

He is red, and right now, he sort of looks a brownish color, and loosing color/dullening in his fins and tail. Is his time coming? I've had him for a while now and was a good fish. He is quite big because I think he was on the older side when I got him. I am just sort of sad because I don't think he has much longer.

Please answer

Thanks

[AnnaerbR]

It depends is it taking awhile for him to change color or is it very quick? also is hes breathing fast? how is his behavior?

[vanilla.soda]

His breathing is not quick. He usually swims around but lately he's been very slow and not moving. He just lays on his plant

[~*~Montague~*~]

I acctually had a betta with those same symptoms, try feeding him just a tad less, and maybe change the water. Just laying on his plant is normal, my current betta does that all the time, has ever since we got her. Dont be too upset, it's probably nothing to be worried about. Good luck!

[Hekomi]

The best thing to do is take him to a vet. This is not really the place to ask for veterinary advice.

[gemini_girl]

Though I'm pretty sure in this case a vet is not an option. Most vets don't treat fish and most of what fish get from my understanding an be done at home (including uthinizing)....

[Qiokkabee]

I have my own blue beta {male} and he's been laying around near huis plat or on it, but that doesn't mean he's sick. He's got a nice, small tank and I what I want for Christmas is a large tank just for him. But let's not talk about Chriostmas. I know a page thtat gives me all the diseases and problems your fish can have. Would you like to see it?
If you're fish is acting better, then no need t worry about him or her. He or she will be fine :3

[yfish]

If you see white spots develop then you might want to see a vet. Otherwise your little guy is probably just fine.

[The Cat]

My mom has helped my bettas many times. Sometimes they would lay on their sides too. It depends on your fish's age. If it's over 1 year of age it has a chance of dying, though look through your store for betta meds.

[Cardinal]

My mom has helped my bettas many times. Sometimes they would lay on their sides too. It depends on your fish's age. If it's over 1 year of age it has a chance of dying, though look through your store for betta meds.

Betta fish can live 3-5 years when taken care of properly and theres been plenty of reports of them reaching 7 or so. Really, nearly all the males found in pet stores are old breeders and already over a year old, easily.



@OP: Honestly try to dose the tank with some aquarium salt and see if it perks him up. Is he still eating properly? If you've noticed, hows his poops? Do you know your water params?



A side comment.. Vets really do not treat your typical small tropical fish. Many vets do not even handle fish at all. The fish that common ARE treated are the much larger ;monster' fish and those found at actual aquariums/water parks. Besides, actively taking a fish to the vet is probably FAR more stressful and potentially deadly then much you could do at home. Stress is one of the ultimate killers, besides poor water conditions, and should be avoided when possible.