Alright, so I went to my local petco and ended up walking out with a free Betta because it was pretty much dead. It had hardly any color, it was practically transparent, it didn't really move, and when it did, it couldn't swim right, plus, one of its gills was swollen.

It's been 4 days and he's become a little more opaque and he's swimming a little better, but he's not really moving that much, especially compared to my other two Bettas. I figure the reason he swam strangely was a swim bladder problem that's fixing itself on it's own, so that's not really an issue. Also, the swelling in his gill has gone down too some.

But the weird thing is, both of his gills have developed this silver lining around them. I can't find anything anywhere about silver gills, so I have no idea what it means. Can someone tell me if it's anything to be concerned about, and if it is, what exactly the problem is and how to fix it?

Did you take it to the vet? because they will tell you whats the matter with it and how to treat it. hope your fish gets better!

There is really no way I can afford to take a fish to the vet's. Plus, I'm in college with no car, so I don't have a way of transporting him either. I wish I could though.

I'am so sorry. mabe there will be a website on Betta health on the internet? and if there is'nt mabe you can get some one to take your Betta to the vet. I hope you have good luck! I'll keep my fingers crossed! -PackLeader

Maybe since you can't bring it there, you can call the vet or a pet store. When I have a question I would call a pet store and tell them I have a question about fish and they will get someone to help you. Good luck with your fish! I hope he is okay! Does he have a name? Fingers crossed

BB1

I did go talk to the local pet store a while ago and I didn't find them particularly knowledgeable or helpful. My fish, (who's named Lazarus, because I thought he died at last 5 times while bringing him home) just seems to be kind of an odd ball. He's really scrawny and he looks like he has a tumor in his gill. Plus he's always on the bottom of the tank or sitting vertically in the water. But his fins aren't clamped and he moves around a fair amount, so my guess is that he has some permanent swim bladder problem. And I think his gills may have been damaged before I got him, so the silver stuff is just scar tissue? I don't know. Whatever the case maybe, I'm doing the best I can for him and that's all I can do, so I guess what will be, will be.

Oh my gosh that's so sad! I hope he gets better! Try to find out what's wrong with him. Let us know what happens! Good luck and best wishes!