Who Gives A Fish Forums

Something's seriously off with my betta - he's basically paralyzed. No visible issues with his fins or body, eats fine, no changes in his environment since the last water change 5 days ago. He was swimming and interactive last night, said hi this morning, then just tucked himself away at the bottom of the tank and hasn't moved. When I netted him, he's still breathing, tries to move, but only his front pectoral fins barely flutter - the rest of him is completely still.

He's in a 10-gallon tank with filtration and a heater, keeping the water at 79 degrees. No other fish, no changes inside or outside the tank for days. He's an older guy, got that grey/white under his chin, but the rest of his body's still got that vibrant red color. Haven't checked the water parameters yet, don't have a kit, but getting one soon.

I'm thinking something in the water is causing this, and I'd strongly advise doing a huge water change - at least 75% - as soon as you can. It's possible ammonia or some other chemical has spiked and is affecting him. I know you don't have the means to test the water yet, but getting that kit ASAP and checking the parameters would be a good idea.