I have a question about one of my bettas. He isn't moving about his tank, a 2g Hex like he used to. Swimming seems to be so difficult for him. Its like he struggles with it although he manages to get to the top of the tank to get his food.
Mostly he lays either on the bottom of the tank or hanging out in his plant and he watches me alot. I've had him for about a year and a half now so I wonder if he's just getting old? Or could something be wrong. There are no visible signs of disease, body shape is the same. And he is still sociable. He reacts when I get close to his tank or he sees me watching him.

Any thoughts?

Should I move him into a smaller betta bowl so he doesn't have to struggle so hard to get his food? I just don't really want to traumatize him by moving him.

You could just lower his water level. It could be a swim bladder problem, too. Lower the level and see how he does. I wouldn't go ahead and medicate him unless you're positive something is wrong. Keep us updated!

Agreed, don't medicate unless you are sure what the problem is, but you could try some IAL or blackwater extract. I've had excellent results with the BE. Just seems to perk them up.

I'd have to agree - it could be old age sneaking up on him slowly.
Although, I'd recommend IAL - a leaf in the tank, if you can. Like a 1" X 1" square. Just rinse it off and float it right in there.
Every fish that I have whose tank got a hunk of IAL leaf has not only improved almost overnight, but they've also built me a beautiful little bubblenest under the leaf.

What is IAL? This isn't something I'm familiar with.

It's Indian Almond Leaf.
Very good stuff.
You can order it online or there are a few folks here that sell it to ppl and ship it out...

Gotta love IAL!! You can also make a tea out of it. I got a suntea container ... I toss in 3 leaves... fill with treated water.... let sit out all day. That way I get the benefits of the leaf... but no worries about it rotting in the tank... or trying to fish it out later.

If you have had him for 1 1/2 years.... and he was at the very least 4 months old when you got him.... he may just be feeling his age. If he is eating well.... and no other symptoms other than having slowed down... he may jut be relaxing. 2 years is kinda an average age. 4 is infrequent.... kinda like a person hitting the century mark.

Vt's and HM's..... it is like living life in a big 50's floofy prom dress.... while swimming in a pool.

Well, he's still with me. Still not very active, but he is eating and he moves around. A little less everyday, but he's still trying. I really do think its old age that has set in. I guess its just hard to see him not acting the way he used to. I have another betta in a little 1g tank on the other side of my bedroom and I can see him swimming around all over his tank so it really brings it on how much Tinky has slowed down I reckon. I'll just try to keep him happy and as comfortable I can while he lives out his old age.

Thanks for the input yall!

Just one more thought. Is his tank heated? Sometimes if they get too cool they become lethargic and just lay around. If it isn't heated you might try to up the temp a couple of degrees and see if he becomes more active. It is a long shot, but just thought I'd mention it.

:huh?: