Betta fish losing scales on head

So today I noticed my betta is missing scales on his head. I noticed his head had a red patch on it a few weeks ago, but wasn’t worried. But now he is missing scales and it looks like an exposed wound.

I added ghost shrimp to my tank 2 days ago before taking them back out. He has been in and out of the decorations a lot more than usual, still looking for them I suppose. Are missing scales likely to be physical damage or can a bacterial infection, possibly introduced by the shrimp be causing it.

What should I do? I just did a 20% water change and added some stress guard and indian almond leaf.

Water parameters are perfect. Nitrite and ammonia are 0 and nitrate is 10 ppm. The tank is heated at 78 degrees and sponge filter is running.

I would appreciate any opinions at all. Thank you!

 

I'd keep up with the water changes, it's going to help the most. So is the red patch on his head where it looks like an open wound? It's kinda hard for me to tell. Is there anything in the tank with rough edges, like maybe scraped them off by accident?

edited: noted in your post that he had been in and out of the decorations alot, so it's possible that he got a good scrape. Did this pretty much happen over night? I don't like automatically saying he needs a med, when a water change could do because he doesn't need the stress. Hopefully someone can chime in on this too. He's a pretty boy tho!

 

I'd keep up with the water changes, it's going to help the most. So is the red patch on his head where it looks like an open wound? It's kinda hard for me to tell. Is there anything in the tank with rough edges, like maybe scraped them off by accident?

edited: noted in your post that he had been in and out of the decorations alot, so it's possible that he got a good scrape. Did this pretty much happen over night? I don't like automatically saying he needs a med, when a water change could do because he doesn't need the stress. Hopefully someone can chime in on this too. He's a pretty boy tho!

Thank you! Yea the red patch is where hes missing scales and also looks a bit exposed. I couldnt get a good picture as hes always on the move.

His cave isn't the smoothest thing in the world but I did file down any edges that were sharp before putting it in.

 

I am gonna drop mattgirl 's name here and see what they think.

 

I recommend this for any injury.

• Promotes healing, repairs wounds and supports the immune system with vitamins and immunstimulants
• Contains a mixture of vitamins and immunostimulants to help fight stess, adapt to a new tank and cope with poor water quality conditions.
• Helps fish adapt to new environments
• Revitalizes the natural slime coat
• Detoxifies heavy metals

My rose gold Betta 'lost' his slime coat * i'm a newbie, my fault 100%* during an exchange with a baby cat fish. yes I am dumb, now I am less dumb....

My Mustard Betta lost some scales on head due to plastic plants. I now have silk plants only - it worked on him too
MY elephant ear Betta had a tear on 1 fin and it recovered fully.

Now my Butterfly Betta has issues & I am currently dosing him to try and heal him. Looks like a tumor, not fuzzy at all.

if you think he needs meds, this will help after cleaning tank & doing a water change.

 

It looks to me like classic "Head banging".... Bettas get super curious and jam their heads into stuff and ding themselves.

If the fish is otherwise healthy - it will heal over in a couple days on it's own.

 

I've been out of town this past week on a business trip, just wanted to see how this little guy is doing?

 

I've been out of town this past week on a business trip, just wanted to see how this little guy is doing?

Well its been about a week now. Id say that the area looks better, like it doesn't look as red anymore. However I don't see any scale regrowth yet I read this may take a few weeks though. Thank you for asking I appreciate it!

 

I'm glad that he is doing better! Yeah, I read that sometimes the regrowth can take a bit. I know you were worried so wanted to find out if he was doing okay.