u/StephensSurrealSouls

https://preview.redd.it/pfzqe8xv593h1.png?width=512&format=png&auto=webp&s=558b0a67d62668ee938f7a578beaa9e2d5c3e829

https://preview.redd.it/20p3piew593h1.png?width=384&format=png&auto=webp&s=2bdbd0d9f438bac56fbbc08ea5468620ee585f64

I am fairly sure this is dropsy. I would like confirmation, though.

I am utterly dumbfounded, really. I don't really see how this could have happened. Nonetheless, it has and I need to accept that. I am reaching out for some guidance on what to do now and a good guide. I am very worried for my buddy.

My water quality is good, my ammonia was 0, nitrite 0, and nitrate at 5 ppm using an API liquid master kit. PH was 7.4 which was a bit high but this is also right after a 1/4 water change so I think it will even out over the next few days.

He has completely loss in interest in food. He is fairly inactive with random bursts of sporadic energy. A bit of self-fin-nipping. No particular gasping for air seen.

Sorry for bad photos, he doesn't like coming out of this one specific spot where there's a lot of Val americana growing.

I got him about 6 months ago but he was already an adult when I got him, so who knows how old he was? It's to my knowledge bettas only live 1-2 years due to extreme inbreeding so I understand if this is just him saying goodbye, but if there's any reasonable hope I do not want to give up on him.

I'll answer the automatic questions in the comments.

Thanks in advance,