So, I changed the water in the fish tank tonight after work. It looked very dirty, and murky, so I decided to do it. I'm pretty tired so I'll keep this brief. I did what I usually do, wipe down the walls, the plant, the fish house, and the heater. The heater right now I am not sure if it's working. Anyway, if it's broken I'll get a new one, return it or use the warranty.
Anyway, what I did differently this time for the fish is that I put him in a cup and gradually added some of the new water to the cup. I didn't do this exactly right, but well enough I believe that it worked. This time, when I put the fish back in the tank, he wasn't swimming around in jerky movements, instead, it was pretty smooth for him. So he seems to be really happy with his new water. He ate some pellets, too, in the new water, which is a good indication.
So overall, I think the fish is doing good after this water change. Much better thank the last one. More updates will follow, stay tuned.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Saturday, April 17, 2010
I Had to Mess With the Fish Again Tonight
Well, I came home to the fish tonight, and he was doing pretty good. I let him be for a couple of hours and watch him swim around.
Of course, I couldn't leave him alone forever. He had to have a little something. So, I got the cup and put him against the side of the tank for 5 minutes. He started swimming vigorously looking for air and then he rested at the bottom of the cup near the end of the 5 minutes, breathing somewhat heavily.
Then, I put him with the cup at the bottom of the tank. There was air at the top of the cup for him to get. He still swam around somewhat fast in what little water there was in the cup, and came up for air a few times.
Then I did this -- I set a time limit of 8:00 and it was 7:48 PM at the time, so I wouldn't injure the fish too much. I had him in the cup again with the water out. He was flipping around every so often.
Then, under the time limit, I started to poke him with a toothpick, making him move all around the cup. I poked on his scales, between his fins, near his eye, and by his mouth. I got the toothpick in his mouth a few times, too. I wanted him to fight to get it out, but unfortunately he didn't, so I took it out.
I tried to keep poking him until he would give up and stop moving around, probably because he was too tired. This happened successfully a few times. But then, I was still able to poke him and get him to move around again. Good thing I set a time limit of 8:00. Otherwise, I think I would have just kept going and it would have been too much for him.
So, how is the fish doing now? Well, currently he's swimming with his right fin only, breathing a little bit heavy, swimming slowly around the tank, staying near the top of the tank and taking air every so often. He's not moving around the tank so much like he did before. But he is still moving, and I think that in time he will recover from this latest incident he has had.
He's still swimming, I think he's in recovery mode. I've seen him like this before, and I am confident he will recover. One question is how many of these treatments he can take, given in short periods of time, and not sustain permanent damage. I am not sure about this, this is the first time I've successfully done this with a fish. That is, I've been able to limit what I do to the fish, and then put him back in the tank while he can still function.
He's kind of floating a little bit now. I know he's trying to get his energy and strength back. He'll get there. It's 8:13 PM right now. I'll see how he's doing in about an hour. He's still only using one fin, he was using two when I initially put him back in the tank, I guess he was in panic mode then. Now, he's trying to recover.
I'll keep you posted on how he's doing as the night progresses.
Of course, I couldn't leave him alone forever. He had to have a little something. So, I got the cup and put him against the side of the tank for 5 minutes. He started swimming vigorously looking for air and then he rested at the bottom of the cup near the end of the 5 minutes, breathing somewhat heavily.
Then, I put him with the cup at the bottom of the tank. There was air at the top of the cup for him to get. He still swam around somewhat fast in what little water there was in the cup, and came up for air a few times.
Then I did this -- I set a time limit of 8:00 and it was 7:48 PM at the time, so I wouldn't injure the fish too much. I had him in the cup again with the water out. He was flipping around every so often.
Then, under the time limit, I started to poke him with a toothpick, making him move all around the cup. I poked on his scales, between his fins, near his eye, and by his mouth. I got the toothpick in his mouth a few times, too. I wanted him to fight to get it out, but unfortunately he didn't, so I took it out.
I tried to keep poking him until he would give up and stop moving around, probably because he was too tired. This happened successfully a few times. But then, I was still able to poke him and get him to move around again. Good thing I set a time limit of 8:00. Otherwise, I think I would have just kept going and it would have been too much for him.
So, how is the fish doing now? Well, currently he's swimming with his right fin only, breathing a little bit heavy, swimming slowly around the tank, staying near the top of the tank and taking air every so often. He's not moving around the tank so much like he did before. But he is still moving, and I think that in time he will recover from this latest incident he has had.
He's still swimming, I think he's in recovery mode. I've seen him like this before, and I am confident he will recover. One question is how many of these treatments he can take, given in short periods of time, and not sustain permanent damage. I am not sure about this, this is the first time I've successfully done this with a fish. That is, I've been able to limit what I do to the fish, and then put him back in the tank while he can still function.
He's kind of floating a little bit now. I know he's trying to get his energy and strength back. He'll get there. It's 8:13 PM right now. I'll see how he's doing in about an hour. He's still only using one fin, he was using two when I initially put him back in the tank, I guess he was in panic mode then. Now, he's trying to recover.
I'll keep you posted on how he's doing as the night progresses.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Fish Doing Great -- Couldn't Leave Him Alone Today
Well, I came home and was delighted to see that the fish was doing very well. He had blown some bubbles at the top of the tank on the sides. He was swimming around pretty good, and using both fins. He ate his food, about four or five pellets.
Well you know, I couldn't leave well enough alone, so I had to have a little fun with him. So, I took him out of the tank in the cup, emptied the water. Then, I let him flop around for a few minutes. Then, I proceeded to poke him with the toothpick and watch him squirm around the cup. I got the toothpick in his mouth a couple of times, just a little bit.
Then I decided, enough is enough, and I have to have my limits with this fish. So, I put him back in the tank to see how he'd do. He started swimming around, somewhat nervously, and with one fin again. Now it's a couple of minutes later, and he is somewhat calmer.
The fish is swimming a little slower than before, and with one fin only, but he is definitely still swimming. I think he will definitely recover from this. Maybe I should have left him alone tonight; that way, I could still be watching him swim at normal speed like he was doing before. He's breathing heavier than normal. I know that is from his recent incident tonight in the cup.
I could take him out again and poke him some more, but I know if I do that he will swim even slower, and that might distract me as I am trying to relax. Anyway, I think he is doing good and will definitely recover from this, it was just a little bit of fun. I'd like to do more another day, get him really tired, and then see what he does. He'll probably just sit around in that case until he gets his energy back.
I see that he is floating a little bit near the plant. Is this because he has lost some energy? He definitely swims a little slower with only one fin, but he definitely gets around. I think he is going to recover just fine. Still, I wish I'd left him alone so I could watch him swim normally. I think he'll be alright by tomorrow. Does he even realize why this is happening? I wonder what the fish thinks about all of this, if he can understand, what his thoughts are? In truth, it probably gives him a lot of anxiety when he's in the cup with no water being poked around. I don't blame him. Maybe he needs some anti-anxiety medication to cope with these situations? Maybe if he were made more comfortable, he could get through these situations better without panicking. Hmmm.
I would like to weaken the fish some more and take him out, poke him, watch him move around, put the toothpick in his mouth, or even get him in the cup against the side of the tank. But I know if I do this he will slow down and it will take him longer to recover.
At least this way, he's swimming around the tank somewhat, although one finned, and I can watch him. I wonder what he's thinking at this moment? In a few minutes I'm going to get up close and check his breathing. He's moving at times, other times he just floats around for a little while. I liked his behavior better before I took him out of the tank tonight. If he's better tomorrow, and I think he will be, I'm just going to leave him in there and not do anything to him.
I wanted to add that he's staying near the top of the water more, near the plant. Now he's kind of standing in place and taking breaths at the top. I think he's trying to get his energy / stamina back. I'm sure that he will succeed.
The fish's fear of me is back. I put my finger on the side of the tank and he quickly darts away. I'll have to test this again tomorrow after he's a little calmer and hopefully recovered.
Well you know, I couldn't leave well enough alone, so I had to have a little fun with him. So, I took him out of the tank in the cup, emptied the water. Then, I let him flop around for a few minutes. Then, I proceeded to poke him with the toothpick and watch him squirm around the cup. I got the toothpick in his mouth a couple of times, just a little bit.
Then I decided, enough is enough, and I have to have my limits with this fish. So, I put him back in the tank to see how he'd do. He started swimming around, somewhat nervously, and with one fin again. Now it's a couple of minutes later, and he is somewhat calmer.
The fish is swimming a little slower than before, and with one fin only, but he is definitely still swimming. I think he will definitely recover from this. Maybe I should have left him alone tonight; that way, I could still be watching him swim at normal speed like he was doing before. He's breathing heavier than normal. I know that is from his recent incident tonight in the cup.
I could take him out again and poke him some more, but I know if I do that he will swim even slower, and that might distract me as I am trying to relax. Anyway, I think he is doing good and will definitely recover from this, it was just a little bit of fun. I'd like to do more another day, get him really tired, and then see what he does. He'll probably just sit around in that case until he gets his energy back.
I see that he is floating a little bit near the plant. Is this because he has lost some energy? He definitely swims a little slower with only one fin, but he definitely gets around. I think he is going to recover just fine. Still, I wish I'd left him alone so I could watch him swim normally. I think he'll be alright by tomorrow. Does he even realize why this is happening? I wonder what the fish thinks about all of this, if he can understand, what his thoughts are? In truth, it probably gives him a lot of anxiety when he's in the cup with no water being poked around. I don't blame him. Maybe he needs some anti-anxiety medication to cope with these situations? Maybe if he were made more comfortable, he could get through these situations better without panicking. Hmmm.
I would like to weaken the fish some more and take him out, poke him, watch him move around, put the toothpick in his mouth, or even get him in the cup against the side of the tank. But I know if I do this he will slow down and it will take him longer to recover.
At least this way, he's swimming around the tank somewhat, although one finned, and I can watch him. I wonder what he's thinking at this moment? In a few minutes I'm going to get up close and check his breathing. He's moving at times, other times he just floats around for a little while. I liked his behavior better before I took him out of the tank tonight. If he's better tomorrow, and I think he will be, I'm just going to leave him in there and not do anything to him.
I wanted to add that he's staying near the top of the water more, near the plant. Now he's kind of standing in place and taking breaths at the top. I think he's trying to get his energy / stamina back. I'm sure that he will succeed.
The fish's fear of me is back. I put my finger on the side of the tank and he quickly darts away. I'll have to test this again tomorrow after he's a little calmer and hopefully recovered.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Update on the Fish
Well, I think the fish is doing better today. He still likes to stay in that corner where the heater is. He ate four pellets tonight, so that's good. I seem him using both fins sometimes, not always only one fin. I'm going to watch how much he swims around and Ill update you in a few minutes here.
He does seem to be swimming around some. I think he's doing the best out of all the fish that I've put through the paces. I think it's partially because (I believe) he hasn't sustained any internal injury. I'm not sure, but I think so. That should help him tremendously. He still swims slowly, although less slowly than yesterday, but he does seem to get around. I've noticed he favors the top corner near the heater, and also the other corner on the other side (horizontally).
He doesn't stay on the bottom and stand still for a long time like he was doing somewhat yesterday. His swimming is not quite smooth, but it's not as jumpy as I've seen it before, either. Overall, I think he's doing very well for a fish that's been through what he's been through. You almost wouldn't know that by watching him.
It's amazing to me to see that a fish could take all that stress ans appear like he was before the next day. I suppose if the fish has not been physically injured, it has the power to regain its stamina and strength. I wonder what it gets out of swimming back and forth sometimes. Although I have read this can be a sign that it's bored. But it doesn't always do that. So I think it's looking pretty good for this fish right now, much better than I expected after yesterday.
He does seem to be swimming around some. I think he's doing the best out of all the fish that I've put through the paces. I think it's partially because (I believe) he hasn't sustained any internal injury. I'm not sure, but I think so. That should help him tremendously. He still swims slowly, although less slowly than yesterday, but he does seem to get around. I've noticed he favors the top corner near the heater, and also the other corner on the other side (horizontally).
He doesn't stay on the bottom and stand still for a long time like he was doing somewhat yesterday. His swimming is not quite smooth, but it's not as jumpy as I've seen it before, either. Overall, I think he's doing very well for a fish that's been through what he's been through. You almost wouldn't know that by watching him.
It's amazing to me to see that a fish could take all that stress ans appear like he was before the next day. I suppose if the fish has not been physically injured, it has the power to regain its stamina and strength. I wonder what it gets out of swimming back and forth sometimes. Although I have read this can be a sign that it's bored. But it doesn't always do that. So I think it's looking pretty good for this fish right now, much better than I expected after yesterday.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
The Fish is Starting to Struggle
I can tell that he's having a little bit of a hard time swimming. He's only using one fin of course. He's not moving too fast. He's staying near the top of the water. Now I'm thinking I should transfer him back to the bowl. But I'll give him a few minutes to see how he does.
He definitely looks like he's been through a battle with the gaps in his fins and his slow movements. He seems like he's been back from a big fight, which he kind of has. I wonder if the toothpick in his mouth from the last time caused some kind of internal damage, and now he's having trouble functioning. Well, I think it's time to go back in the bowl for this fish. Maybe in a few minutes.
He definitely looks like he's been through a battle with the gaps in his fins and his slow movements. He seems like he's been back from a big fight, which he kind of has. I wonder if the toothpick in his mouth from the last time caused some kind of internal damage, and now he's having trouble functioning. Well, I think it's time to go back in the bowl for this fish. Maybe in a few minutes.
Played around with the fish today
Well, I tried to get the fish out of the tank, and he didn't want to come out, so I got him in the cup on the bottom and the side of the tank. He swam around frantically as he struggled. I raised the cup up towards the top so the fish could get some air, but it appeared he wasn't able to get it.
Finally I got him in the cup and took him out of the tank. Then, I chased him around with the spoon a little in the cup, and then took him out of the cup with the spoon. Now he's resting on the spoon with some water on it that is on top of the cup. He's breathing every so often. He appears to be doing ok.
I'm thinking of letting him back in the cup and chasing him around with the spoon, taking him out a few times, then putting him back in the tank to recover.
So far I believe he has sustained no permanent damage, as he hasn't been poked internally (with the exception of the toothpick in the mouth, which was just a little).
Now he's back in the cup. Both his fins are flapping, and he seems pretty alert. Now I've floated the cup inside the bowl.
I took him out of the cup a couple more times. He flipped all over my desk. Now he's back on the spoon, sitting above the cup with a little water on the spoon. I wonder how long he can last like this? He appears to be breathing OK, although in just a very little bit of water. I do know from reading that these fish can survive in very little water.
I think I may put him in the bowl and then under the cup for 10 minutes or so, then see how he does, then back in the tank (or stay in the bowl perhaps).
OK, he's back in the cup within the bowl, I'm going to see what he does over the next 10 minutes or so. So far he's just moving a little bit at the bottom of the cup. I can tell he's breathing heavy. This is not too much fun. It might be better to put him in the cup against the side in the tank. Then he moves around a lot more. Yeah. That's what I'm going to do I think.
Well I chased him around many more times and took him out with the spoon many more times. I put him back in the bowl. Now I think he's really tired. He's taking breaths at the surface and staying still. He's not moving around right now. Maybe he's trying to recover?
He's only moving one fin again. I guess the other fin is damaged. I'm going to let him recover while I go and get some things done. It looks like he's staying against the wall of the bowl for support. I wonder if I should put him in the tank, it's a better temperature? Maybe I'll do that and see how he does. He's had a hard afternoon. Now, he needs time to rest.
I put him back in the tank. He seems to be doing better in there. Going to go for now, I'll check on him a little later.
Finally I got him in the cup and took him out of the tank. Then, I chased him around with the spoon a little in the cup, and then took him out of the cup with the spoon. Now he's resting on the spoon with some water on it that is on top of the cup. He's breathing every so often. He appears to be doing ok.
I'm thinking of letting him back in the cup and chasing him around with the spoon, taking him out a few times, then putting him back in the tank to recover.
So far I believe he has sustained no permanent damage, as he hasn't been poked internally (with the exception of the toothpick in the mouth, which was just a little).
Now he's back in the cup. Both his fins are flapping, and he seems pretty alert. Now I've floated the cup inside the bowl.
I took him out of the cup a couple more times. He flipped all over my desk. Now he's back on the spoon, sitting above the cup with a little water on the spoon. I wonder how long he can last like this? He appears to be breathing OK, although in just a very little bit of water. I do know from reading that these fish can survive in very little water.
I think I may put him in the bowl and then under the cup for 10 minutes or so, then see how he does, then back in the tank (or stay in the bowl perhaps).
OK, he's back in the cup within the bowl, I'm going to see what he does over the next 10 minutes or so. So far he's just moving a little bit at the bottom of the cup. I can tell he's breathing heavy. This is not too much fun. It might be better to put him in the cup against the side in the tank. Then he moves around a lot more. Yeah. That's what I'm going to do I think.
Well I chased him around many more times and took him out with the spoon many more times. I put him back in the bowl. Now I think he's really tired. He's taking breaths at the surface and staying still. He's not moving around right now. Maybe he's trying to recover?
He's only moving one fin again. I guess the other fin is damaged. I'm going to let him recover while I go and get some things done. It looks like he's staying against the wall of the bowl for support. I wonder if I should put him in the tank, it's a better temperature? Maybe I'll do that and see how he does. He's had a hard afternoon. Now, he needs time to rest.
I put him back in the tank. He seems to be doing better in there. Going to go for now, I'll check on him a little later.
Monday, April 12, 2010
This is one calm fish now
Well, the fish is really calm after all this adventure. He only has use of one of his two fins, but that seems to be OK. I tried putting him back in the tank, but he's not swimming around. He's just sitting on top of the heater near the surface and taking breaths. Basically he's in the top corner of the tank. Should I put him back in the bowl? He was moving around more in the bowl, maybe I should liet him stay in there. Anyway, he's in recovery mode. I don't know for how long he's going to stay that way, or not. But I really don't feel like finishing him off and having to go look for another fish. I'm not sure how he'll do, but time will tell. At least he's still alive and moving. Taking that d0uble tranquilizer definitely helped calm me down. Maybe too calm. I should have taken 1 1/2 instead of 2. Oh well. For next time I will know.
Well, I think I'm just going to lay down and relax for a little while, and keep an eye on the fish. He seems to really like that heater.
The fish is moving very slowly throuhgout the tank. Maybe he's in recovery mode? I'm wondering if I should put him back in the bowl. I sure did calm him down with all of these treatments. He's not swimming erratically anymore.
I think I'll just let him be for now and see how he does. I'm going to rest a little while.
Well, I think I'm just going to lay down and relax for a little while, and keep an eye on the fish. He seems to really like that heater.
The fish is moving very slowly throuhgout the tank. Maybe he's in recovery mode? I'm wondering if I should put him back in the bowl. I sure did calm him down with all of these treatments. He's not swimming erratically anymore.
I think I'll just let him be for now and see how he does. I'm going to rest a little while.
Promises Broken
I know I promised I'd never do anything to this new betta fish. Well, I kind of went back on that today a little, right now. Because of my new job and all the stress I am feeling and the allergies and what seems to happen to me every spring/summer with the bad air here and my anxiety, and the fish jerking in the tank, I thought I needed to calm him down some. He was practically climbing the walls of the bowl when I moved him from the tank to the bowl, and I don't know why.
So, I chased him with a spoon and took him out of the tank a couple of times. The second time, I poked his eye with a toothpick and he immediately flipped back into the bowl. Now he is moving around, but much more calmly. Could this be because he's tired now?
The first time I took him out with the spoon, he flipped onto my desk, my mouse, and even the keyboard. Finally I was able to pick him back up with the spoon and put him back in the bowl.
This fish used to have no fear of me. It didn't know what I did to the other betta fish. Now, it's definitely fearful. I don't know if I'll be able to get this fish to eat ever again. Well, of course, we all know that there's an answer for that, don't we?
So, we'll see how it goes. I like the way the fish is swimming around much better now that I chased it around with the spoon and took it out of the bowl twice. I didn't really do much else to it, so there should be no permanent damage to the fish.
Now, I'm considering taking the fish out a third and maybe fourth time. Once I start it's hard to stop. I'll keep you posted. Hey, the fish made it one month, that's about the longest time of any fish I've had in awhile.
So, I chased him with a spoon and took him out of the tank a couple of times. The second time, I poked his eye with a toothpick and he immediately flipped back into the bowl. Now he is moving around, but much more calmly. Could this be because he's tired now?
The first time I took him out with the spoon, he flipped onto my desk, my mouse, and even the keyboard. Finally I was able to pick him back up with the spoon and put him back in the bowl.
This fish used to have no fear of me. It didn't know what I did to the other betta fish. Now, it's definitely fearful. I don't know if I'll be able to get this fish to eat ever again. Well, of course, we all know that there's an answer for that, don't we?
So, we'll see how it goes. I like the way the fish is swimming around much better now that I chased it around with the spoon and took it out of the bowl twice. I didn't really do much else to it, so there should be no permanent damage to the fish.
Now, I'm considering taking the fish out a third and maybe fourth time. Once I start it's hard to stop. I'll keep you posted. Hey, the fish made it one month, that's about the longest time of any fish I've had in awhile.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
A new betta has arrived today
Today, I got a new betta fish. I really want this fish to do well. So far he is swimming around normally in the bowl. Of course, this is always the way it starts, the fish always starts off doing well, then usually progresses downward as the days go by.
So, I have some personal committments for this fish that I want to say. First of all, I am determined not to physically injure the fish. I don't want to poke its eyes out, poke at its gills, put a toothpick in its mouth, etc. If the fish gets worse, it will be because of its own behavior. And the lack of heat in the water, too, I would imagine. So, in the bowl that it's in, I want to give this fish every imaginable advantage. Then let's see how it does.
That's all I can say for now, more updates on this fish will follow.
So, I have some personal committments for this fish that I want to say. First of all, I am determined not to physically injure the fish. I don't want to poke its eyes out, poke at its gills, put a toothpick in its mouth, etc. If the fish gets worse, it will be because of its own behavior. And the lack of heat in the water, too, I would imagine. So, in the bowl that it's in, I want to give this fish every imaginable advantage. Then let's see how it does.
That's all I can say for now, more updates on this fish will follow.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Update -- not looking good for this fish
Maybe I won't have to do it for him. Now he's laying on the bottom of the bowl on his side. He's still breathing but that's about it. I think this is definitely towards the end of his life. Now he just swam up to the top to get air. He's a little to one side. I think his best moments are behind him. I think that he is weak. He can swim up and get air, that is good. But he really can't do much else. I can tell that he struggles to swim up. He's back near the bottom now. He swam up a little, I pushed him back down a few times. It was with little effort. He's back on the bottom, slightly to one side. He's breathing a little bit heavy, moderate gill movement.
I took him out and put the toothpick in his mouth a few times. Now he's back on the bottom on his side. Still breathing, but, not in very good shape.
I took him out and poked him again in his mouth with a toothpick. He's in worse shape now. He's at the top of the water vertical and not moving at all.
Now he tried to swim toward the top and then sank down to the bottom. I think he really is near the end of his life. So sad.
Now he was able to swim to the top. He's staying at the top now.
He's really weak. He's at the top, slightly on one side. Just sitting there and taking in air occasionally. He's still breathing, but that's about it. He can't seem to move that much.
He's at the bottom now, head first. He's still breathing but i know he can't be doing that well.
Now he's at the bottom on his side. He can't seem to swim up to the top at all. His skin is pale. I think it's almost over for him. He'll be dead soon. He can't swim up for air anymore. It's very unfortunate. He doesn't have any strength left in him.
I saw him struggle for a little bit and then stop. Poor thing can't come up for air. It's just a matter of time now until he's gone.
That's it. The fish is dead. I can see no more gill movement.
I took him out and put the toothpick in his mouth a few times. Now he's back on the bottom on his side. Still breathing, but, not in very good shape.
I took him out and poked him again in his mouth with a toothpick. He's in worse shape now. He's at the top of the water vertical and not moving at all.
Now he tried to swim toward the top and then sank down to the bottom. I think he really is near the end of his life. So sad.
Now he was able to swim to the top. He's staying at the top now.
He's really weak. He's at the top, slightly on one side. Just sitting there and taking in air occasionally. He's still breathing, but that's about it. He can't seem to move that much.
He's at the bottom now, head first. He's still breathing but i know he can't be doing that well.
Now he's at the bottom on his side. He can't seem to swim up to the top at all. His skin is pale. I think it's almost over for him. He'll be dead soon. He can't swim up for air anymore. It's very unfortunate. He doesn't have any strength left in him.
I saw him struggle for a little bit and then stop. Poor thing can't come up for air. It's just a matter of time now until he's gone.
That's it. The fish is dead. I can see no more gill movement.
Damaged internal organs?
I think I may have damaged one of the fish's internal organs when I poked him in the gill membrane. Possibly the liver? I'm not sure. But this would or could explain why the fish is not swimming around very well. Seems like he often floats to the top or floats to the bottom. Don't know if he's going to get much better. Of course if he doesn't improve eventually I guess I'll have to end it for him, don't want him to suffer indefinitely.
Anyway, he's not choosing to move very fast. I can see where he lost some of his fins when I took him out of the bowl, flipped him over, held him down, and poked him. I know he was trying to resist. In the end, of course, he lost out. Would it be any easier on him if I just put him in a cup for him to try to recover?
I don't know what to do with this fish. He seems not healthy enough to live well on his own, yet, not damaged enough to die. What should be done with him?
So I chased him around with the spoon for awhile, and kept taking him out of the water and poking at his eyes slightly with a toothpick. I think I've damaged one of his eyes at least. Now I think I've definitely done some damage to one or both of his eyes. I took him out. He kept flipping over. But I kept poking at his eyes. Going to take him out and test him again. I think I got him. Damaged both his eyes, now he can't see at all.
He's doing the same thing it appears, swimming up to the top and staying against the side of the bowl. Now of course, he's much more tired than before. I might see if I can scoop him up and poke him in the eyes a few more times. But I haven't really pinned him down yet. Only one time. I know that's something that really weakens a fish.
Well I think he can't do much now. He's got two blind eyes. He's been picked up out of the bowl about 15 times, approximately. He's almost out of energy. He hasn't been hit over the head though, thats a good thing.
Right now he's at the bottom of the bowl, contemplating his fate. He's lost a few more fins. He can't eat. He does seem to be able to swim straight, although it is of course in spurts. He couldn't swim smoothly since his first treatment. I see the scabs from where he was poked in the gills. I dont know if he could withstand another one of those treatments today. His fins seem very clamped now. Of course, he's lost more fins, so there is that, too. He's on the top on the side of the bowl, as is usual for him since his first treatment.
I've noticed he keeps jerking from one side to the other when he swims. I don't want to kill him now because my sister is here, I don't want her to think I killed the fish. Although I probably will later.
He can't do much at all. I'd say his options are really limited right now.
I fooled him temporarily. I put the spoon at the top to block his surface air. Because he couldn't see, he probably thought the spoon was everywhere. He went to the bottom. Because he still can't see, he probably doesn't know where the surface is, or if he can get there. He'll probably try again. Eventually. Now I'm going to leave him alone and see if he does.
I think he'll be gone later this evening. For one reason or another. I'll keep you posted.
He just scrambled up to the top. But he hasn't taken a breath yet. That's good, he hasn't given up -- yet. His fins are looking a bit rotted. I think because he lost many of them. Now he swam to the other side of the bowl. At least he can still swim to the top, and he can still get air. Those are two good things.
No more bubbles now. And I think no more pellets ever for this fish.
He's back at the top of the bowl now. His gills are still moving. He's no longer breathing heavily.
It sure would be good to hear this music while the fish was swimming around but I know that's not going to happen again.
I see the fish swim a little bit every now and then, but mostly he just stays in the same place. Now he's on the bottom, slightly to one side. I think he can't hold himself up straight if not for resting on one side of the bowl.
Here is the fish, back at the top of the bowl, now slightly vertical.
I just don't think he's going to last. If all he can do is sit at the top / bottom and breath, and can't eat, then that's not very much of a life. I think I should end his life for him soon. Because he's probably not going to get any better than this.
Anyway, he's not choosing to move very fast. I can see where he lost some of his fins when I took him out of the bowl, flipped him over, held him down, and poked him. I know he was trying to resist. In the end, of course, he lost out. Would it be any easier on him if I just put him in a cup for him to try to recover?
I don't know what to do with this fish. He seems not healthy enough to live well on his own, yet, not damaged enough to die. What should be done with him?
So I chased him around with the spoon for awhile, and kept taking him out of the water and poking at his eyes slightly with a toothpick. I think I've damaged one of his eyes at least. Now I think I've definitely done some damage to one or both of his eyes. I took him out. He kept flipping over. But I kept poking at his eyes. Going to take him out and test him again. I think I got him. Damaged both his eyes, now he can't see at all.
He's doing the same thing it appears, swimming up to the top and staying against the side of the bowl. Now of course, he's much more tired than before. I might see if I can scoop him up and poke him in the eyes a few more times. But I haven't really pinned him down yet. Only one time. I know that's something that really weakens a fish.
Well I think he can't do much now. He's got two blind eyes. He's been picked up out of the bowl about 15 times, approximately. He's almost out of energy. He hasn't been hit over the head though, thats a good thing.
Right now he's at the bottom of the bowl, contemplating his fate. He's lost a few more fins. He can't eat. He does seem to be able to swim straight, although it is of course in spurts. He couldn't swim smoothly since his first treatment. I see the scabs from where he was poked in the gills. I dont know if he could withstand another one of those treatments today. His fins seem very clamped now. Of course, he's lost more fins, so there is that, too. He's on the top on the side of the bowl, as is usual for him since his first treatment.
I've noticed he keeps jerking from one side to the other when he swims. I don't want to kill him now because my sister is here, I don't want her to think I killed the fish. Although I probably will later.
He can't do much at all. I'd say his options are really limited right now.
I fooled him temporarily. I put the spoon at the top to block his surface air. Because he couldn't see, he probably thought the spoon was everywhere. He went to the bottom. Because he still can't see, he probably doesn't know where the surface is, or if he can get there. He'll probably try again. Eventually. Now I'm going to leave him alone and see if he does.
I think he'll be gone later this evening. For one reason or another. I'll keep you posted.
He just scrambled up to the top. But he hasn't taken a breath yet. That's good, he hasn't given up -- yet. His fins are looking a bit rotted. I think because he lost many of them. Now he swam to the other side of the bowl. At least he can still swim to the top, and he can still get air. Those are two good things.
No more bubbles now. And I think no more pellets ever for this fish.
He's back at the top of the bowl now. His gills are still moving. He's no longer breathing heavily.
It sure would be good to hear this music while the fish was swimming around but I know that's not going to happen again.
I see the fish swim a little bit every now and then, but mostly he just stays in the same place. Now he's on the bottom, slightly to one side. I think he can't hold himself up straight if not for resting on one side of the bowl.
Here is the fish, back at the top of the bowl, now slightly vertical.
I just don't think he's going to last. If all he can do is sit at the top / bottom and breath, and can't eat, then that's not very much of a life. I think I should end his life for him soon. Because he's probably not going to get any better than this.
Fish update
Well, the fish is no better. He's at the top of the bowl, against one side, taking a breath every now and then. He's not moving his front fins. Rear fins are somewhat clamped together. He's not moving around that much. He pretty much stays still.
So he swam to the other side of the bowl. Now he's doing pretty much the same thing as before, floating on the top of the water on the side of the bowl. He wasn't moving much before, but after this treatment, now he's almost not moving at all. Again, I should have left him alone. He was doing somewhat ok, although he wasn't eating. Has he lost the use of his left fin? Nevermind I saw him moving his right fin slightly. He went to the bottom briefly but then just floated back to the top.
Now he floated back to teh bottom. Now he's coming back up to the top, to take a breath of air. Now he's back to staying on the top at the side of the bowl. Anything he does, he moves slowly. I think he is distraught. Of course he didn't think this could happen to him. His eyes are less alert than previously were.
It seems like his fins are even more clamped together. And when he swims up for air from the bottom, he swims vertically. He's not dead, but he's a far way from where he was just a day ago. I think this fish's better days are over.
So he swam to the other side of the bowl. Now he's doing pretty much the same thing as before, floating on the top of the water on the side of the bowl. He wasn't moving much before, but after this treatment, now he's almost not moving at all. Again, I should have left him alone. He was doing somewhat ok, although he wasn't eating. Has he lost the use of his left fin? Nevermind I saw him moving his right fin slightly. He went to the bottom briefly but then just floated back to the top.
Now he floated back to teh bottom. Now he's coming back up to the top, to take a breath of air. Now he's back to staying on the top at the side of the bowl. Anything he does, he moves slowly. I think he is distraught. Of course he didn't think this could happen to him. His eyes are less alert than previously were.
It seems like his fins are even more clamped together. And when he swims up for air from the bottom, he swims vertically. He's not dead, but he's a far way from where he was just a day ago. I think this fish's better days are over.
I "fixed" the fish today
I did it. What I talked about yesterday. I took the fish out, laid him on one side, and poked him in that red area behind his gills. I think I did it several times. Then, I put him on his other side and did the same thing.
Now I put the fish back in the bowl. He's definitely not doing as well. He's at the top against one side of the bowl. I wonder if he can still swim around? At first he was swimming somewhat wildly, but now he has settled down. Oh, when I put my finger on the wall of the bowl next to him, he starts swimming wildly again. But then he calms down and moves back up to the top. I wonder how he will do now. Now he's just staying at the top. Wonder how long he's going to do that for, or if that's all he's going to do. If that's all, then I may have to poke him some more. For now, Im just going to let him be, and see what he does. Oh, and he's not flapping his fins anymore. I wonder if he's in pain? Or just shock, that he could be so easily controlled. He can't seem to swim calmly anymore. I wonder if this is permanent, or temporary? He seems to be a little bit to one side. I think he's using the wall to keep himself straight. So, he's definitely got some problems now. The fish is obviously having trouble swimming on one side, and has to compensate by swimming harder on the other side. And he seems only able to swim around the sides of the bowl. I hope he improves. But, I wouldn't count on it. He's slightly to one side. That's not a good sign. Who would have known that a few pokes on the red part behind his gills could make him act this way? I didn't think I hit him that hard. Apparently for him, it was painful. I think I may have to end it for him later today if he doesn't improve, because being just on one side is really not good, it means there is something wrong with the fish. Also, now it appears that his fins are more clamped together. I thing he is definitely in a lot worse shape than before. He must really be hurting. I didn't mean it like that.
I think this is the start toward the end of this fish's life. It's a shame. But it's true today that he was barely moving around, not eating, and not blowing bubbles. I'm thinking these fishes really don't do well in a bowl, they really probably need, like I've read, a tank with a heater and a filter, etc.
I'm sure I have permanently injured this fish. He is not acting like he was before. Now, his fins are clamped and he can't swim calmly, when he swims it looks like a great effort on his part. He swims quickly to the top to get air, then swims back down. I think one side of him is injured, because he struggles slightly to swim not sideways. He doesn't move his fins as much as he used to. When he's still, he doesn't move them at all. He mainly sticks to the sides of the bowl when swimming. And he likes to stay at the bottom.
Now I put the fish back in the bowl. He's definitely not doing as well. He's at the top against one side of the bowl. I wonder if he can still swim around? At first he was swimming somewhat wildly, but now he has settled down. Oh, when I put my finger on the wall of the bowl next to him, he starts swimming wildly again. But then he calms down and moves back up to the top. I wonder how he will do now. Now he's just staying at the top. Wonder how long he's going to do that for, or if that's all he's going to do. If that's all, then I may have to poke him some more. For now, Im just going to let him be, and see what he does. Oh, and he's not flapping his fins anymore. I wonder if he's in pain? Or just shock, that he could be so easily controlled. He can't seem to swim calmly anymore. I wonder if this is permanent, or temporary? He seems to be a little bit to one side. I think he's using the wall to keep himself straight. So, he's definitely got some problems now. The fish is obviously having trouble swimming on one side, and has to compensate by swimming harder on the other side. And he seems only able to swim around the sides of the bowl. I hope he improves. But, I wouldn't count on it. He's slightly to one side. That's not a good sign. Who would have known that a few pokes on the red part behind his gills could make him act this way? I didn't think I hit him that hard. Apparently for him, it was painful. I think I may have to end it for him later today if he doesn't improve, because being just on one side is really not good, it means there is something wrong with the fish. Also, now it appears that his fins are more clamped together. I thing he is definitely in a lot worse shape than before. He must really be hurting. I didn't mean it like that.
I think this is the start toward the end of this fish's life. It's a shame. But it's true today that he was barely moving around, not eating, and not blowing bubbles. I'm thinking these fishes really don't do well in a bowl, they really probably need, like I've read, a tank with a heater and a filter, etc.
I'm sure I have permanently injured this fish. He is not acting like he was before. Now, his fins are clamped and he can't swim calmly, when he swims it looks like a great effort on his part. He swims quickly to the top to get air, then swims back down. I think one side of him is injured, because he struggles slightly to swim not sideways. He doesn't move his fins as much as he used to. When he's still, he doesn't move them at all. He mainly sticks to the sides of the bowl when swimming. And he likes to stay at the bottom.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
About treatments for your fish
I just want to say that if you enjoy watching your beta fish swim around the tank/bowl, if you enjoy watching it move, etc., then you shouldn't do any of these "treatments" as described in previous posts.
Your fish will more than likely not be the same after a treatment. They are very sensitive fish and they just can't see to take much in terms of these kinds of things.
So if you're considering poking / depriving oxygen / chasing / or any other related behavior, think carefully about the consequences.
The fish is pretty to watch swim around. I'm willing to say that if you do something to the fish, you're going to wish you hadn't done it later. And, you can't take it back. Sometimes, the fish will never recover. Then, you may want to repeat the same or related behaviors again with the fish, which will certainly result in the fish's untimely death.
Then, there will definitely be no way you can take it back. So, just think about these things before harming your betta fish in any way. It would be best, like I said, if you did none of these things at all, and just left the fish to swim as it does and live life in a normal everyday way.
You don't really have to "wonder" how the fish would feel / react if you did x or y or z to the fish, chances are, it wouldn't be as good as it was before. It's that simple.
Fish have a lot of energy although they don't always use it, they can be very energetic when swimming away from an attack, or trying to escape. However, that will deplete their energy and also weaken the fish's defenses, that means the fish will have less energy and less resistance later towards a future attack.
This will eventually lead to the extreme weakening of the fish, to the point where it can barely swim around. You may see a fish like this swim in short bursts, swim slightly on one side, something like that. If a fish is swimming on one side, that is really bad, and the damage I would say is probably irreversible at that point. Then, you might feel like you want to end the fish's life and put it out of it's misery. The idea is to avoid getting to this point in the first place.
So that's the advice I have for you this evening.
Your fish will more than likely not be the same after a treatment. They are very sensitive fish and they just can't see to take much in terms of these kinds of things.
So if you're considering poking / depriving oxygen / chasing / or any other related behavior, think carefully about the consequences.
The fish is pretty to watch swim around. I'm willing to say that if you do something to the fish, you're going to wish you hadn't done it later. And, you can't take it back. Sometimes, the fish will never recover. Then, you may want to repeat the same or related behaviors again with the fish, which will certainly result in the fish's untimely death.
Then, there will definitely be no way you can take it back. So, just think about these things before harming your betta fish in any way. It would be best, like I said, if you did none of these things at all, and just left the fish to swim as it does and live life in a normal everyday way.
You don't really have to "wonder" how the fish would feel / react if you did x or y or z to the fish, chances are, it wouldn't be as good as it was before. It's that simple.
Fish have a lot of energy although they don't always use it, they can be very energetic when swimming away from an attack, or trying to escape. However, that will deplete their energy and also weaken the fish's defenses, that means the fish will have less energy and less resistance later towards a future attack.
This will eventually lead to the extreme weakening of the fish, to the point where it can barely swim around. You may see a fish like this swim in short bursts, swim slightly on one side, something like that. If a fish is swimming on one side, that is really bad, and the damage I would say is probably irreversible at that point. Then, you might feel like you want to end the fish's life and put it out of it's misery. The idea is to avoid getting to this point in the first place.
So that's the advice I have for you this evening.
Further update
I'm watching him now from my bed, I know he can't see me from where he is. He's starting to swim what I think is a little more naturally. Now he's hanging out towards the top of the bowl. It looks like he's about to breath some air. I'm going to see what happens if I approach him and sit next to him.
OK so I approached him, it bumped the desk slightly and he swam immediately to the bottom of the bowl. I think he really is afraid of me. I'll give him some time to recover and see if he improves. Right now he's just staying at the bottom of the tank. But I bet given a few minutes alone, he'll do more than that. I'll keep you posted.
There, now he's starting to float up a little. I won't poke him again for awhile to give him some time to recover.
He just took a breath of air, swam down to the bottom, and then up again for another breath of air. I think he's doing better. He's kind of swimming in slow motion.
He's back at the bottom now.
He'd been swimming around the tank slowly, now he's back at the bottom. I wonder if this is part of his resting / recovery process. We'll see what he does next.
Oh, now he's swimming up a little. Up to the top. It looks like he took a breath of air.
He's back at the top now, just floating there. Now he's swimming back down again. He's on the bottom now. He seems to be doing everything in slow motion right now. I wonder if it's because I wore him out by poking him briefly with a toothpick?
I wonder how he would swim and react if I poked the red area by his gills on both sides, then let him loose in his tank. If he doesn't improve soon, I think he may find out.
He's just sitting at the bottom. I wonder if I wore him out, or if he's just resting. Sometimes I still want him to be "fixed". I wonder what he will act like if he is fixed. But I want to wait at least until he is swimming like normal again. If that is he is capable of that. If not then, I may have to fix him anyway, because he won't make it.
I hurt him so little, I really hope he can recover from this. I'm going to time how long he stays on the bottom. OK, about 1.25 mins and he's back at the top of the bowl.
OK so I approached him, it bumped the desk slightly and he swam immediately to the bottom of the bowl. I think he really is afraid of me. I'll give him some time to recover and see if he improves. Right now he's just staying at the bottom of the tank. But I bet given a few minutes alone, he'll do more than that. I'll keep you posted.
There, now he's starting to float up a little. I won't poke him again for awhile to give him some time to recover.
He just took a breath of air, swam down to the bottom, and then up again for another breath of air. I think he's doing better. He's kind of swimming in slow motion.
He's back at the bottom now.
He'd been swimming around the tank slowly, now he's back at the bottom. I wonder if this is part of his resting / recovery process. We'll see what he does next.
Oh, now he's swimming up a little. Up to the top. It looks like he took a breath of air.
He's back at the top now, just floating there. Now he's swimming back down again. He's on the bottom now. He seems to be doing everything in slow motion right now. I wonder if it's because I wore him out by poking him briefly with a toothpick?
I wonder how he would swim and react if I poked the red area by his gills on both sides, then let him loose in his tank. If he doesn't improve soon, I think he may find out.
He's just sitting at the bottom. I wonder if I wore him out, or if he's just resting. Sometimes I still want him to be "fixed". I wonder what he will act like if he is fixed. But I want to wait at least until he is swimming like normal again. If that is he is capable of that. If not then, I may have to fix him anyway, because he won't make it.
I hurt him so little, I really hope he can recover from this. I'm going to time how long he stays on the bottom. OK, about 1.25 mins and he's back at the top of the bowl.
Betta update
He was such a confident betta fish. Now, he's beginning to be a fearful betta fish. We'll see if he blows bubbles tomorrow but I am betting on many less bubbles. I think he is loosing his cool and his concentration. Maybe he'll calm down when I go away for awhile. I don't want him to be afraid of me. But I guess what I've done has kind of made him that way. He's perceptive. Sometimes it seems like if I even pick up the toothpick at all, he swims to the bottom. I think he'll be calmer when I'm away because he's afraid of me and what I can do to him. That's just my opinion.
UPDATAE: I just poked him some more with the toothpick. Now he is staying on the bottom and not moving at all. I wonder if he'll recover? He's breathing a little heavier, too. His eyes seem to suggest he is still with it. I think I need to get away from this fish to give him some time to recover.
Now he is swimming again, against the walls of the bowl. He almost took a breath. Or did he? He's hyper right now. He can't seem to stay still. I poked him a few more times. Now he's back on the bottom, staying still. Still flapping his fins. I need to get away from him or I'll just keep poking him and he won't be able to calm down. He's got so much energy swimming like that. Of course I know that he is also using his energy up. I'm going now, got to leave him alone for awhile.
I just left the room and came back. He's at the bottom of the tank now. Resting / recovering? I'll have to wait to see what he's going to do next. He's just kind of floating there. Now he's flashing aroudn his fins. Now almost still. Have to wait and see what he does. He's definitely breathing heavier than normal. I think his eyes are suspicious now? He went up and took a breath of air. Now more swimming against the walls. I think he'll be OK. For now.
UPDATAE: I just poked him some more with the toothpick. Now he is staying on the bottom and not moving at all. I wonder if he'll recover? He's breathing a little heavier, too. His eyes seem to suggest he is still with it. I think I need to get away from this fish to give him some time to recover.
Now he is swimming again, against the walls of the bowl. He almost took a breath. Or did he? He's hyper right now. He can't seem to stay still. I poked him a few more times. Now he's back on the bottom, staying still. Still flapping his fins. I need to get away from him or I'll just keep poking him and he won't be able to calm down. He's got so much energy swimming like that. Of course I know that he is also using his energy up. I'm going now, got to leave him alone for awhile.
I just left the room and came back. He's at the bottom of the tank now. Resting / recovering? I'll have to wait to see what he's going to do next. He's just kind of floating there. Now he's flashing aroudn his fins. Now almost still. Have to wait and see what he does. He's definitely breathing heavier than normal. I think his eyes are suspicious now? He went up and took a breath of air. Now more swimming against the walls. I think he'll be OK. For now.
Fish took a breath
He finally took a breath. He is pretty smart. When I even approach the toothpick near him, he swims away. I guess he has good vision, he can see it from a distance. I am poking him now with the toothpick when he gets near the top. I think he's starting to stay more towards the middle. He's swimming a little wildly now. I guess I got to him. Once I start its hard to stop. He's swimming faster now, thrashing a little around the tank. I think I got his attention. Let's see if he'll come up for air now. Right now he's at the bottom of the tank. Will he be able to recover from this slight attack? Will I attack him more? Time will tell.
I realized that this may make it harder for me to feed him, because if he remembers my attacks, maybe he will be afraid of me. I'll have to see tomorrow how he reacts.
I can tell he is swimming more restlessly. Now, when I put my finger against the side of the tank, he swims away quickly, instead of just backing away like he did before. Now he is nervous, I would even say, anxious. He's definitely lost some of his calm demeanor. His breathing is faster now, too. I think he needs oxygen a little but may be slightly afraid of getting some.
I realized that this may make it harder for me to feed him, because if he remembers my attacks, maybe he will be afraid of me. I'll have to see tomorrow how he reacts.
I can tell he is swimming more restlessly. Now, when I put my finger against the side of the tank, he swims away quickly, instead of just backing away like he did before. Now he is nervous, I would even say, anxious. He's definitely lost some of his calm demeanor. His breathing is faster now, too. I think he needs oxygen a little but may be slightly afraid of getting some.
I poked him again, this time with a toothpick
My poke at this betta sent him flailing down the bowl. He's now at the bottom / middle of the bowl, but I don't see him going near the top anytime soon. I wonder if I can scare him from taking a breath of fresh air? I would just poke him with the toothpick anytime he gets near the top of the bowl. But truthfully, I don't want this betta to die. He seems like a good betta. We'll see. Maybe I'll just poke him a few more times and then let him recover. Truthfully, he seems afraid to come to the top of the tank and take a breath of air. I wonder how long he can last like this. I see him get close to the top, but then he won't take that last step to take a breath. Instead, he swims to the bottom or another part of the bowl. He's breathing a little bit faster. I wonder if he's starting to become afraid? I wish I could see what he is thinking at this time.
I poked him once
He swam away quickly, as I'd suspected. Now he seems more hesitant to come to the top of the water. Especially if I hold the needle near the bowl. Somehow I think he senses it is an attack for him and he stays away. He hasn't come up for air in the last few tries. Ah, just got him again. I'll have to wait until he stays at the top of the surface, then get him by poking him from behind where he's less likely to see the needle. So far, fish seems in good shape and is continuing to act normal. Although it seems like he hesitates a little to come up for air. Understandably so. He stays near the top but sometimes he seems hesitant to take that last leap for air. Sometimes he swims back below again. I'll let you know how this continues to play out.
Desire to Poke the Fish
I have this continuing desire to poke the fish with a needle while he is near the top of the water. I know it'll just get him to run away, make him temporarily hyper. I'd like to be able to get a good solid poke in before he does that. Don't think that will be possible unless I take the betta out of the bowl to poke him, where he has less defenses. I guess I will just settle for poking him while he's at the very top for now, then see what he does.
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