Symptoms:

• Loss of appetite
• Swollen stomach
• Has not pooped

What is it?

Fish get constipation just like humans. Your fish is just having trouble pooping.

How did it get there?

They can get constipation by eating too many freeze dried foods or a lack of variety in their diet.

Treatment

If available, daphnia (water fleas) acts as a laxative for bettas. If not the peeled pea method can be used. Fast your fish for a day or two and then attempt to feed them the inside of a cooked peeled pea. Make sure the pea is in small enough pieces for your betta to eat. If your betta refuses to eat the pea, then fast for another day or two and try again. Do this for a week or two, alternating fasting and peas until your fish is back to normal.

Prevention

• By feeding your fish a varied diet and only using freeze dried foods as a treat, you can help prevent constipation. If you feed your betta pellets, soaking them in a bit of their tank water for a few minutes before feeding it to your fish will help your fish digest them easier.