I am having some strange issues recently with my bettas. I realize they are considered rather old at this point, but they are having some of the strangest symptoms. Each male is kept in his own 1 - 1 1/2 gallon tub. I use a slightly brackish water with them (with StressCoat added). The water is partially changed every three to five days as needed. They eat blood worms, Tetra-Min betta bites and TetraMin Tropical flakes. (I give just a bit two-three times a day and suction out all leftovers. What has been happening lately is I will notice a lack of appetite, then the abdomens begin to bloat. They will still continue to make puny attempts at bubble nests then when the bloating gets really bad (the scales start to stick out) the water gets slimy in a matter of a few hours and he fades quickly. I have already taken one to my vet to be humanely euthanized and I am guessing at this point, I have two more going in tomorrow for the same thing.
All this happens in about 3 days. Does anyone have any suggestions on what may be wrong or what I might do to fix this? Oh yeah. When we euthanized Mark (yes, I name all my fish) We aspirated a lot of viscus fluid from his belly area. (post-humously, of course).
The females live in a community aquarium (without the guys) and they are doing quite well. I do not ever put my males together, so I am really concerned as to how they coul be all comming down with the same thing. I have never, ever had this problem with any of my fish before - Please help.
