R.I.P Barquentine

Hi all,

I'm very sad to let you all know that I had to put my beautiful Betta, Barquentine to sleep on Sunday.

I don't know if any of you had read my email a couple of months ago asking advice from Sue because he seemed to have developed a lump on the back of his head and I was worried it might be a tumor.

I decided to let him be for the time being, because he was lively and eating and his behaviour was normal.
Over the last week, though I noticed his fins becoming very ragged. I treated him with ESHA, but things didn't improve and the lump (which had got much bigger) started to look like it was breaking open. He then stopped eating for a day and began lying on the bottom of the tank inside his wooden cave, only coming up for air.

I couldn't let him go on that way, so I sent him to sleep with some clove oil.

Very sad at his passing and not sure what I'll do now – I don't really feel like getting another betta at the moment, but maybe time will tell. All other fish are fine though.   

Thanks Simon,


They're beautiful fish and so entertaining!
I'm putting his tank away for the moment – can't stand seeing it empty! 

Thanks Alex_N

Thanks Sue,

I followed your advice and monitored him very closely to check that his behaviour hadn't changed (you had advised that this was the best way of being sure that he wasn't suffering), but when it did start to change and the lump started to look really awful I did think he was suffering and couldn't stand to see him that way.

I might get another Betta one day, but I think I'll leave it a while.

Very sorry to read of this, Diz, from someone who fully understands how sad it is to lose a fish, and just how painful it is when it's one that has its own personality, antics, and with whom there's a particular bond.

I think you're doing the right thing in taking a break for a while - if/when the time is right to contemplate getting another Betta, you'll know.

Sorry about Barquentine, from reading your previous posts it was obvious you were very attached to him.

I do think you did the right thing to stop him suffering but even though it was the right decision it is never an easy one.

Anne

Really sorry to hear about Barquentine

I'm so sorry for your loss. I cried when Frank passed away, I never expected to get so fond of a fish but bettas are such endearing creatures.