What Is Swim Bladder Disease?

Do n’t let the name fool you . Swim bladder disease , which a lot of hobbyists just call SBD , is n’t actually a disease . Instead , it ’s a name people use when a betta ’s swim bladder is n’t go quite right .

The swim vesica is an organ that see your betta ’s buoyancy , so they can move up and down in their tank on demand . When something is wrong with the swim vesica , it affects their ability to sink and blow and , ultimately , theirquality of life .

Symptoms of Swim Bladder Disease

Sometimes , it ’s obvious that your betta has swim vesica disease . Other time , it ’s a little hard to discern . Based on what ’s have their SBD , you might detect one or several of these sign :

Be cognizant that bettas sometimes rest on Earth’s surface in their environment , so if your betta seems to be slumber on their tank bottom , they might just need a pile .

Causes of SBD

So what causes swim bladder disease ? Unfortunately , it is n’t always easy to tell . There are a mess of different things that can trigger this stipulation . Some directly relate to the fish , whereas others need their environment .

1. Overfeeding

The No . 1 cause of swim vesica disease in bettas is overfeed . If they eat too much ( which is coarse because they ’ll just keep eating if there ’s food available ) or too quickly , their tummy will bloat and press on their swim bladder .

2. Parasites

Fish can get parasites , too , such as insect , lice , or even fluke . They ’re often introduced through refreshing food sources or sicktank matesand can do a number on your healthy fish . Bacterial infections can also affect the swim bladder .

3. Injury

forcible hurt to the swim vesica can also pass off and head to SBD symptom . If your betta was assail by another fish , altercate themselves on penetrative accessory in the tank car , or jumped out of the water , they can damage their swimming bladder .

Bettas jump out out of their tankful more than you ’d think , which is why it ’s important to have a top on your aquarium .

4. Poor Water Quality

Poor water can strain out your betta . Make certain their water conditions arewithin idealistic parametersto keep them good for you . That means making sure it ’s warm enough for their liking , their tank is cleaned regularly , and it ’s not overcrowded .

How to Treat It

When to Worry About Your Betta

If your bettadoesn’t seem to improveafter a few days of treating their swim bladder disease , it ’s best to enlist a professional for further steering . see a veterinarian who sees fish , or consult with aquarium specialists at your local ducky or aquatic store . They can give you more personalized advice and determine what ’s best for your betta .

Is Swim Bladder Disease Fatal to Bettas?

Fortunately , swim vesica disease is not usually fatal . If you ’re able-bodied to get it betimes , your betta can make a quick and full recuperation . But if you do nothing and do n’t address the underlying cause , like a bacterial contagion or overfeed , it ’s possible your betta fish could die .

Feed Mindfully to Prevent Swim Bladder Disease

Since overeating is the most common movement of swim bladder disease , it ’s important to be aware of how much you feed your betta . They do n’t give up eating when they get full . They ’ll continue eating until all the food is gone . check that everyone in the menage live who will feed the Pisces each twenty-four hour period and understands on the nose how much they can get to prevent overfeeding . And if your betta does show sign of swim vesica disease , start treatment right away to help them cure .

Betta Fish

Betta laying on bottom and side of aquarium.

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