My betta fish died this morning and turned white. Why?

Your betta is around middle age as a betta can normally live till it is about 2 to 3 years of age. As such the age is not of a factor in its death.

Based on what you have written, "About 2 days before he died I think I might've seen a very light film forming over his eyes", it is likely that he may be suffering from a mild form of Popeye. But again, there can be another underlying incurable disease that can result in popeye like fish tuberculosis which cannot be cured.

In any case, do an immediate water change and keep a tight lookout for your other fish in the tank. You have to act fast once you notice any other symptoms in your other fish.

All the best.

Terry Young

I disagree with kimberly g (and it's "a fungus," not "a fungi") as I don't think that it was a fungus at all, nor do I think he had popeye. When fish (and humans and most other animals on earth) die, things in the body obviously stop working. Blood doesn't flow anymore. The body will simply change color because it is dead. A fungus would resemble cotton in places along the body, not an entire white fish. The good news is I don't think that he was sick but that he simply died; it happens mysteriously sometimes and it's ok. This is good news to your other fish, as I don't think that they'll contract anything if you removed your betta as soon as possible. I might treat the tank with an additive that can prevent disease JUST in case (try Aquarisol, maybe), and maybe feed an anti-bacterial pellet to each of them (I like Jungle Anti-Bacterial Medicated Fish Food). I'm really sorry about your betta, and I think you have nothing to worry about in terms of your other fishes' health.

Sorry to hear about your betta fish. I had a blue one once called Jazz. They have great personalities & it's possible to get quite attached to them. You'll probably get a better answer on a dedicated aquarium forum like these (which are very good). They both have forum sections devoted to Betta fish.

http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/aquariumforum/

http://www.fishforums.net/

Take a sample of your water and the fish (put it in a bag). Go to the local pet store and see if they can help you. You can test your water yourself, if you have the right things to do it.

I have no clue why that happened to yours. Mine died suddenly for some reason. It had been acting strange for several months.

I would definately investigate!

Because you didn't look after your fish very well. Try to get some other fish from the store and next time ask what you will do so the fish won't die any more.

was the tank heated and filtered?

http://bettacare101.com/