ricktavious

I think Andre (crowntail betta) has a split fin. I use the word "think" because he might have had it since I got him naturally. Anyways, if it is not supposed to be there, could it be a sign of fin rot?

I have read on here where people get more paranoid about the fins on their crown tails than any other type of betta. Guess I've joined the club

LZ Floyd

Hey ricktavious,

Fin rot has to be the most common affliction I've seen on the site. Whether Andre is suffering from this or not is hard to tell. A photo or two might help - but it often comes down to the owner's knowledge of the fish's appearance and behavior and how something like your discovery might deviate from the norm.

It appears the split is new to you, but might have always existed, so, there are a few things to consider or try. You could give it a day or two to see if it gets any worse and, if so, take corrective measures. Or, you could take corrective measures immediately, something that might be helpful if what you are seeing is the result of injury (e.g., brushing against something sharp in the tank, a decoration or plastic plant). You could start with a water parameter test and change out the water accordingly; turn up the temp a degree or two to facilitate healing; try an additive such as Vita Chem; and/or initiate treatment with Maracyn 2 (or some other broad-spectrum antibiotic), Furan 2 (pretty much the same as Jungle Labs Fungus Clear, IIRC), or whatever you have available that claims to treat fin rot.

The most-often suggested treatment for fin rot in the literature is clean water. This would seemingly be true in the case of a minor injury. Additionally, raising the temp and adding something like Vita Chem might promote healing and help to beef-up the fish's immune system, which, in essence, would be the better route to take (if it works). If that doesn't work (you see discoloration, more splitting or fraying, Andre nipping at the fin), you might then go to the Maracyn 2 (or one of the others mentioned). Mike

0morrokh

Keep in mind that it's possible for bettas to tear their fins by catching them on something or even from flaring a bit too hard. A tear in the fin doesn't necessarily mean it is infected. Just a couple days ago my female had a nick in her tail, so I did a large water change and she healed up within the next two days.

ricktavious

Mike, the parameters are good, he gets small water changes three times a week, and vitachem daily. I'm almost positive it's either something that has always been there or, he likes to wrap his fins around the filter outtake and chill. All other places on his fins look fine. Maybe a little got ripped when that happened? I've got Maracyn, Triple Sulfa, and anti-bacterial food on hand just in case. My first betta, Ricktavious, had fin rot that would just simply not go away. But, he was a veil tail so it was easy to tell when he had it. Anyways, I'm well equipped to fight it if that's the case

LZ Floyd

This is one of those things where uncertainty allows for a lot of speculation. If I was faced with this situation, I'd make sure the water was clean and watch the fish for a few days to see what develops. While I'm suspecting a fin might have been injured as a result of contact with the filter, these fish do quite well at repairing themselves when their environment is clean. In a few days, I think you'll have a better idea if this is something requiring a more concentrated effort. Mike

Barbrella

I agree with LZ Floyd. Super clean, treated water and just watch.

If you think he's hurting himself on the filter intake, you can split a filter sponge and cover it.

Here's hoping he'll be fine!

LuvaBetta

I am so glad to know this. Bo's water is fine, but he's a vigorous swimmer and dancer, and he LOVES to flare at anyone who'll even glance at him. His tail is never the same two days in a row, it seems. It gets jagged then immediately begins to heal. Then it'll look split or ripped the next day, and heals up. I was a bit confunnnnded by all this.

0morrokh

If his tail is getting jagged over and over again, then it's possible it could be a recurring infection. However since it heals up right away then it's likely not infected. It's not normal for Bettas to be constantly ripping up their fins though. Check the tank for any sharp decor he might be snagging his fin on. If it keeps happening it's possible that it will become infected sooner or later. There are also some Bettas who have the bad habit of biting their own tails, in which case they will have chunks missing every once and a while. They may do this when stressed or bored but it can also just be a bad habit you can't do much about.