Why does my beta fish float to the surface, but it's not dead?

Answer by  traumatised (3285)

The fish likely swallowed too much air with his food or has overeaten and become constipated and bloated (gassy, therefore floating). Feed it the inside of one green pea, cooked and cooled, in two feedings over a day to help get things moving. Nothing else until back to normal.

Answer by  wiki (76)

Fish have a swim bladder that regulates buoyancy. If the swim bladder does not function properly the fish will lose its ability to stand in the water and will float.

Answer by  Scotti (61)

This is usually because the fish is starving for air. The best thing to do first is to replace at least half the water in your bowl/tank. I would also consider some drops to treat the water, which you can get at any local petshop.

Answer by  Alicia44 (23)

Your beta fish maybe gasping for air. Perhaps it's a sign that it's not doing to well. It might be a good idea to go ahead and change that water bowl …Yikes.