Betta Has Lump Near Gill

AllieSten Flowingfins

I can't get pictures right now because it's almost 11:00 PM, but my female betta has a slight lump near her gill. It almost looks like dropsy (the scales are slightly raised) but it's only in that area. Plus that, there's something white coming out of it.

Water parameters are perfect - 0, 0, 10. Her behavior seems completely fine; she responds to touch, eats readily, no color loss. She doesn't seem to be in any particular discomfort, but I'm afraid that the lump might be something bad.

Is it possible that it's an injury? She often goes in and out of driftwood wedges, and maybe she could have gotten injured in the process? Please help, I have no idea what this is!

 

I would need to see a picture. It could be a host of things. My first instinct is that it is a ruptured cyst, since there is stuff coming out of it. But I cannot say for sure without seeing it.

Methylene Blue baths is what I would use to treat any open wound. It is an antiseptic and will prevent infections. So if you want to do those I can help.

Wait until morning and get some pictures. Then we can figure it out.

 

My betta had a lump near his gill as well for a while, here is my post about it:
Pimple On Betta Fish? What Is It? Please Help Asap
Don't know if it's the same thing but it eventually popped and went away after daily water changes and a little salt for almost a month lol.

 

The lump has gotten considerably smaller, and so has the white stuff. I'll get a picture in the morning.

Ok, so will meth blue baths help, or should I put it off to see if the lump gets smaller?

 

I'd say put it off for a little, just keep the water clean and see if it heals on its own

 

Alright I think that you and I have the same problem I've called my LFS and they said the same thing; just do a 10% water change tomorrow (I've badly torn a ligament in my ankle and am stuck to the bed lol) when you can. Thank you!

 

Somehow managed to do a 15% water change... the lump has gone down even more, actually That's a good sign.


Also, I'm replacing my carpet in the room and moving the tank to a different location, so I'll need to completely drain the tank... will this be fine for the fish? I can't put it off because I've been planning this for almost two months, and I don't have any other time to do this... thoughts?

 

Somehow managed to do a 15% water change... the lump has gone down even more, actually That's a good sign.


Also, I'm replacing my carpet in the room and moving the tank to a different location, so I'll need to completely drain the tank... will this be fine for the fish? I can't put it off because I've been planning this for almost two months, and I don't have any other time to do this... thoughts?

You will be fine to drain the tank. Just be sure to keep your filter media wet during the move. So you preserve your bacteria.

Yes water changes will help heal the wound. I was just hoping to prevent any infection. I would up the water change amount to 40-50% to keep the water clean. You don’t have to do the MB baths, just keep a close eye on it. If you start seeing any discoloration of tissues or any white fuzzy stuff on the wound, then you will need to treat with antibiotics.