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My betta is floating sideways and won't eat. What else can I do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Fish | Unknown - Fish | Female | 0 lbs

My female betta is floating on its side and can't swim to the bottom. It also won't eat. I've tried feeding it a pea, doing a water change and adding salt. Is there something else I can do?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on March 2nd, 2018

Check the water chemistry and water temperature. Aim for 0 ppm ammonia and nitrites with nitrates 30 ppm or below. Water temp should be between 78 F and 80 F. Add only plain aquarium salt (NOT table or Epsom salt). Add no more than 1 teaspoon per gallon and treat for 10-14 days. Lower the water level by half to make it easier for her to reach the surface. Bettas can breathe room air if necessary. Soak pellets in some garlic juice to stimulate her appetite.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

    Licensed Veterinary Technician

    Published on April 9th, 2020

    Check the water temperature. Bettas are tropical fish and do best between 78 F and 80 F. Cold water can affect activity and appetite. Since you recently performed a complete water change, check water chemistry again. Use a home test kit or submit a water sample for testing. The local Petco may do this for free or for a small fee. Aim for an absence (0 ppm) of ammonia AND nitrites with nitrates at 20 ppm or less. Perform a partial water change, no more than 30%, to stabilize chemistry and/or to improve water quality. Use only conditioned water that is temperature matched to prevent further stress or shock. Consider using plain aquarium salt (NOT table or Epsom salt) as a general tonic to reduce stress, increase gill function, treat minor infection and aid in recovery. Dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt per gallon of water in a cup or two of tank water and gently pour it into the tank.

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    Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

    Licensed Veterinary Technician

    Published on June 3rd, 2018

    Check the water chemistry first. 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 an absence (0 ppm) of ammonia and nitrites with a nitrate level of 20 ppm or less. Increased levels of any of these can be toxic to fish. If indicated, perform a partial water change to stabilize chemistry or improve water quality. Use only conditioned water that is temperature matched to prevent further stress or shock. Bettas are tropical fish and do best between 78 F and 80 F. Low temps can affect appetite and activity in fish. Use a small, submersible heater if necessary. Fast him for 2-3 days, then feed small bits of cooked and shelled green peas. If he is constipated or has swim bladder issues, this should help. Feed peas until he is swimming and defecating normally. You can soak peas and pellets in some garlic juice to stimulate his appetite and provide an immune system boost.

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