My Betta fish is lethargic, barely eating, and has raised scales. Why?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Fish | Unknown - Fish | Male | unneutered | 10 months and 6 days old
My male Crowntail Betta fish is acting very lethargic, he stays at the bottom of the tank and only coming up for air, barely eats, his stomach looks hollow, and the scales along his back are raised. He has been this way for a few weeks but isn't getting better. I change his water weekly, and he lives in an environment where his is not caused stress.
4 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on December 4th, 2016
Check the water quality. This can be done with a home test kit or you can submit a water sample for testing. Most pet stores or aquarists will do this for free or for a nominal fee. Correct any imbalances as indicated. Check the water temp as well. Aim for 78 F to 80 F. Use a tank heater to prevent temps below 74 F. Offer a good quality pellet such as Hikari BioGold. You can also feed blackworms or bloodworms. Live worms may get him eating. Freeze dried tubifex worms may also stimulate his appetite. If there are no outward signs of bacterial or fungal infection, consider parasites. You can use metronidazole for fish. It is sold in most pet stores in the aquarium section. Follow label directions and gauge his response after treatment. The raised scales are a concern because that can be a symptom of dropsy. Dropsy is common in bettas and usually fatal. It is typically accompanied by a swollen abdomen though. Fish tuberculosis is another serious concern. This is a slow, progressive illness that can kill fish and ruin tanks/bowls. Start with the basics as listed above. Try water changes with conditioned water and offer different foods to get Thorin eating. You can request a consultation to discuss his condition in greater detail and for additional resources.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on July 27th, 2018
Check the water chemistry and quality. Use a home test kit or submit a water sample for testing. Elevations in ammonia or nitrites can be toxic to fish. Perform a partial water change, if indicated, until ammonia and nitrites are at 0 ppm and nitrates are at 20 ppm or less. Use only conditioned water that is temperature matched to prevent stress or shock. Bettas are tropical fish and do best between 78 F and 80 F. Low water temps can also affect appetite and activity. Provide plenty of cover for him to hide in and around.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on December 30th, 2017
Check the water chemistry. Elevated ammonia or nitrites can drive her towards the surface. Perform a partial water change daily to stabilize chemistry and maintain water quality if indicated. Use only aged or conditioned water that is temperature matched to prevent further stress or shock. Bettas do best between 78F and 80F. Plain aquarium salt (NOT table salt) can be used as a general tonic to reduce stress, improve gill function and aid in any recovery. Dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt per gallon of water in a cup of tank water and gently pour it into the tank. Treat for 10-14 days then reassess the condition. These steps should get her eating again. If not, try soaking the pellets in some garlic juice to stimulate the appetite and provide an immune system boost.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on July 22nd, 2018
Check the water chemistry and temperature. Use a home test kit or submit a water sample for testing. Most pet stores will do this for free or for a small fee. Aim for 0 ppm ammonia and nitrites with nitrates at 20 ppm or less. Perform partial water changes, no more than 30% total volume at a time, to stabilize chemistry and improve water quality. Use only aged or conditioned water that is temperature matched to prevent stress or shock. Bettas are tropical fish and do best between 78 F and 80 F. You may need a small, submersible water heater to maintain temperature. Feed either the pellets or the bloodworms at one meal. Offering both is too much and he likely won't eat it all. Any uneaten food will rot in the tank and foul the water.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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