gammerus

I am not sure what is wrong with sarah, but her lips seem to be permanently puckered.
I don't have a digi cam so here is a quick doodle.

chickadee

There is a mouth fungus called Columnaris that affects fish who are either injured or having a problem with their water somehow. The books say either raised nitrate, nitrite, or ammonia levels or possible pH level problems. They also mentioned a possible lack of oxygen in the water. It is a Fungus type of infection and can be treated using the Jungle Labs Fungus Clear Tank Buddies if there are no water quality problems. I know that you check your tanks soI am doubting that is the cause, it also said that this is a fungus that is always present in tanks and can attack an apparently healthy fish at any time just out of the blue. She could have gotten a pellet in her mouth wrong and hurt herself and the fungus just attacked the spot that was sore and now she has this little infection. It did not sound like it was usually fatal but it does need to be treated.

Rose

gammerus

It is probably a water quality thing, I got lazy and didn't do a water change for a couple weeks. -_- I should smack myself in the head for it, but I think she would prefer that I just treat the water. would maracyn II work for it?


edit: I have taken out all of the sharp-ish decor and replaced it with some softer items so hopefully this wont happen again in the future.

chickadee

Unfortunately no Maracyn II will not treat it but Maracyn will. It is a fungus infection and Maracyn II is totally ineffective for those. The other things that will treat it are: Jungle Labs Fungus Clear Tank Buddies, Maracyn Plus (probably the very best choice as it specifically says Mouth Fungus), and Maroxy (very harsh..not unless a last resort). I would say that the Jungle Labs Fungus Clear is the least strong and cheapest, but Maracyn is the most likely to be used later if something else comes up. The Maracyn Plus is great because it is a liquid and easy to dose and you just give every other day for 3 doses and then repeat if the job is not done, but expensive.


Don't beat yourself up really bad over the tank thing..we all get lax now and again. Just clean the tank up really good before you start any medication or you will be wasting any meds you do use. Please do keep us informed of her progress and do not be surprised if she will not eat for you while she is sickest as their mouths HURT with this stuff.

My first betta had it while he was cycling his own tank before I found Fishlore.com and had no idea what the nitrogen cycle was all about and he did not eat and when I contacted a Vet friend of mine who likes fish he told me the basics and what to do and why he was not eating. Tell Sarah I am sorry she is sick and we will keep her in our prayers and thoughts.

(yes I do pray for the sick fish)

Rose

GKat250000

Rose,

you are terrific!

COBettaCouple

How is she doing today?

gammerus

Doesn't seem much better, but then again it is hard to tell with fungal things I guess. She just started taking meds so she should be doin better soon I hope.

She seems to have a little fin rot too will maracyn 2 or any of those other meds help that as well?

chickadee

Both Maracyn and MaracynII will treat finrot. The Fungus Clear Tank Buddies will treat it too but only if it is very minor. It is not a very strong medication but does very well on fungal types.

Please do just keep us informed. It is a little early to see a lot of improvement. It generally takes a few days to see much improvement. Is she eating?

Rose

gammerus

She is still eating so she can't be too unhappy. I will be watching her for progress

chickadee

Well thank goodness that she does not feel too bad or she would have stopped eating. Isn't is strange that the bettas who worry us the most are the ones who never know that there is anything wrong with them?

I am glad to hear it but please do keep us informed of her progress.

Rose

gammerus

It looks like her lips are getting smaller, hopefully she keeps getting better. I will clean the tank soon as my cat scratch scabs up. Stupid kitten seems to think I am a toy.

COBettaCouple

How is she now?

gammerus

She doesn't seem much different. I don't know how long it takes to heal up, but she doesn't seem to have changed.

janoue

My drew just came with big lips. I didn't think anything of it until you mentioned it. I know he's got parasites pretty bad from the pet store . And he's had big lips and big eyes since i got him two weeks ago. I thought they were just the way he was. You know some fish have longer fins and some are mellow and some eat bloodworms, and I just though some have big lips. Thanks for the post. I never would have thought anything of it had you not said anything.