My betta is dying :(

[MOsborne05]

My poor boy is on his deathbed right now, and I'm debating whether I should put him out of his misery or not. I got him at Wal-Mart over two years ago, so it is most likely old age. He has lived in a 1 gallon vase the entire time, with some guppy grass and weekly water changes. Last night I noticed that he was laying on the gravel, not movnig. He moves if I turn the vase, but he hasn't come to the top yet as far as I can tell. He is still breathing, but barely. Don't bettas have to come to the top for air? Should I let him go or put him out of his misery?

 

[TAL]

Should I let him go or put him out of his misery?

I just left a friend's house.

They have a 3 yr old Betta...probably 4 years old...

Laying on the rocks...barely surfacing to grab air.

Let the creature die with dignity.

Give him a nice cremony and wish him my best when he goes to the big aquarium in the sky.

 

[Dynamicfisher]

I say let him die peacefully !

 

[Lotus]

I personally find it very hard to euthanize fish. I'd just let him go when he's ready. As far as I know, fish don't feel pain in the same way mammals do.

Give him some bloodworms, if he'll eat.

 

[Lakea]

It may be part of the normal aging process. A lot of people seem to have this problem after a year of having their betta. My cousin's betta has been with us for over two years, he has spent the last year just laying on the bottom, hanging out, doesn't eat a whole lot, but doesn't show any other signs of distress... I dunno

 

[MOsborne05]

I personally find it very hard to euthanize fish. I'd just let him go when he's ready. As far as I know, fish don't feel pain in the same way mammals do.

Give him some bloodworms, if he'll eat.

I tried, and he won't even eat them He's a pig too, so he is definitely not feeling well if he won't eat!

 

[Pure]

Unless there is something like a major wound or something and he doesn't appear to be in pain...let nature take her course.

 

[h2oh]

Let it die naturally. There's a chance you could attempt to put him out and fail, which would just cause him more distress...

 

[MOsborne05]

He died Saturday evening

 

[TAL]

May the littel guy rest in peace and enjoy the big aquarium in the sky.

 

[skratikans]

aww..at least he died with dignity and is in a better place

 

[MOsborne05]

Yeah I cleaned out his vase and am debating whether I want to get another one or not. I didn't really want him, but he was making a bubble nest at Walmart and looked so cramped in his tiny little cup that I couldn't resist. I'm sure I'll find another one that I can't resist next time I am at the lfs.

 

[erinrobinjade]

I'm sorry to hear about this... but know that you gave the little guy the best life he could have asked for and if it wasn't for you someone who didn't know or care could have had him and then he would have died early. Bless you little Betta! May you swim free with all that you love.