Fish Constipation
Constipation can strike your betta just like it can you. It is unpleasant and can eventually kill your betta if not properly treated.

CAUSES
One of the main reasons a betta becomes constipated is because their main diet is too rich. If you are feeding blood worms or brine shrimp on a daily basis, you can give your betta constipation. Another common cause of constipation is lack of variety in a betta’s diet. An easy solution for this is alternating between food types for meals, such as a few pellets in the morning and flakes at night, brine shrimp the next day, etc. A third cause of constipation may be overfeeding at meal times.

PREVENTION
Some betta owners fast (do not feed) their betta one day per week to cleanse the fish’s system. This is a useful method to prevent constipation, especially if live or frozen foods are fed on a regular basis. Another feeding option thought to prevent constipation is splitting a betta’s feeding up into two small meals per day, rather than one larger meal. This reduces the amount of food intake at one time and allows the betta’s system to process it easier. Always remember a betta’s stomach is about the size of his eyeball, so a little food goes a long way. Variety in a betta’s diet is important both to prevent constipation, and insure they are receiving the necessary nutrients to stay healthy.

DIAGNOSIS
A constipated betta will have an unusually swollen abdomen but in all other rights appear and act normally. Look for feces in the tank, is there little compared to normal?

TREATMENT
Treatment for constipation is rather simple and can be cured very quickly. As mentioned above try to feed your betta a more varied diet and possibly smaller portion sizes.

To rid yourself of the constipation problem, fast your betta for 24-48 hours. Next, take a cooked pea and peel it. Feed a small portion of it to your betta on the end of a flat toothpick. Within the next day or so you should see the swelling go down and a few little deposits at the bottom of the tank. Watch to make sure your betta is going to the bathroom, as this will mean the constipation is subsiding.

NOTE: if your betta continues to swell after treatment of constipation and you are noticing that he is having bowel movements, something else could be the problem like Dropsy, Bloat, Swim Bladder Disorder, or a tumor.

Additional Procedures
Clean water is always important for a betta, but is especially beneficial for any betta facing an illness.

Always keeping your betta warm, between 76-82 degrees F, will also help them to feel more comfortable and raise their immune system.