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Other petsAvaNovember 5, 2026

I have a female betta fish that I’ve had for about a year

I have a female betta fish that I’ve had for about a year. Since bringing her home, her abdomen has gradually gotten larger, but over the past couple of weeks I’ve noticed a much more significant increase in swelling. I’m concerned she may be constipated or experiencing digestive issues, but I’m also worried about dropsy or another internal health problem. Here are the symptoms I’ve noticed: * Her abdomen is noticeably enlarged and has progressively gotten bigger over the past year. * The swelling has become more noticeable over the last couple of weeks. * Her scales appear to be slightly sticking outward. * She spends much more time resting on her aquarium leaf or sitting at the bottom of the tank instead of swimming. * I haven’t noticed her passing stool recently. * She is fed Aqueon Betta Pellets, approximately 4–6 pellets every other day. Her aquarium is a 10-gallon planted tank with two neon cory catfish and a mystery snail. I’m looking for help determining whether this could be dropsy, constipation, fluid buildup, an internal mass, or another condition. I’d also appreciate advice on what steps I should take immediately and whether she needs treatment or an in-person examination.

A licensed veterinarian’s answer

DWDylan Wilson, DVMVerified VetSmall Animal, Mixed Animal, Preventive Care, Laboratory Medicine · KY license 293504Answered 7d ago

Hello, sorry to hear about your betta. She is a gorgeous color. I would agree there appears to be a asymmetrical swelling originating internally. With the described signs and time frame, I would think it's likely a mass or severe constipation. An evaluation by an exotic vet would be good. I would reach for another food source as straight pelleted food can lead to issues. I would go get brine shrimp cubes, spirulina, cooked green peas, or minced zucchini to try in her diet. 10% water changes weekly are a good idea for fish showing signs of illness as it prevents water parameters from compounding the condition.

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