I’ve had my handsome boy, Tangello, for a little over a month. I got him at a local festival while trying to win a miniature frog for my mom. The lady laid out the four betta options and while the rest were showing off and trying to get attention, Tang here just picked a spot in his cup and stared directly at me, I could see his little eye moving as I moved. was fresh out of rehab and recovery so I figured betta care would be a good way to cope with the stress I’ve been dealing with since I’ve been home. He was spoiled rotten with a beautiful tank, stable parameters, a good temperature, live plants, all sorts of food and treats, I was training him to do tricks (he could follow my finger and even learned yes/no), he had all sorts of hides, places to lay, timed lighting, etc. He was totally fine but the day before he died, he suddenly got lethargic, hanging out towards the bottom of the tank. I looked him over and he didn’t have any signs of disease or issue, I checked the parameters and they were near perfect. I tried to feed him but he didn’t come up to eat so I just scooped the flakes out and threw them out. Yesterday when I woke up, he was at the bottom of the tank, not moving. I nudged him with the bet and he floated to the top didnt budge otherwise. I’m so upset, I don’t know if I did something wrong or if he was sick and I just couldn’t tell. I’m so upset, my heart is absolutely broken. He was a total brat but he was MY brat. The tank feels so empty with just the two ramshorn snails in there now but I don’t know if I’m ready for another fish… I know a lot of people will say ‘it’s just a fish, it’s not a big deal’ but I loved him so, so much. I spent so much money on him making sure he had the best of the best of everything, I thought I was doing everything right and it was all so sudden.
Could really use some uplifting words right now, I was already struggling emotionally but this hit hard and I’m thinking about The Bottle more and more.
https://www.reddit.com/gallery/1oyo95o
Posted by calaminecourtjester
5 Comments
Go to a meeting and talk about it! I’m sorry for your loss, the bottle will make it worse.
Remember the happy memories you made and be happy he was here for the time that he shared with you. And try to remember that what is remembered does not die.
I’m so sorry for your loss. My betta died last year and I still can’t bring myself to get another fish :/
I hope it gets better ♥
im sorry for your loss
He was so pretty and his fins were looking good as well as his body condition. Who knows what might have happened. He may have had unstable genetics as many big box bettas do. You gave him a great life! I think it is good to feel sad about them when they pass, it is respectful, those who say it is just a fish get another one are a bit callous. Fresh into sobriety your emotions are strong and these losses hit even harder. Think of him and how you enjoyed your time and took care of him if you want to relapse. You would not have given him such good care or a nice life had you been drinking. Loss and pain will come and he is helping to teach you how to cope without using substances. Stay strong by crying and finding a listening ear. Maybe when you are ready go look at more bettas who need homes or post on marketplace you are looking to take one in and another little guy might steal your heart