Betta with red rimmed fin

[birbbeanjpg]

I’ve just woken up this morning and noticed my male pastel Dumbo has a pectoral fn rimmed with red. He has always been mostly white but recently has been developing a spot of beautiful blue/purple on his dorsal fin.

he is housed in a heavily planted CO2 injected 65 litre/17 gallon aquarium with a mystery snail, 10 Pygmy corydoras and 2 ottos. Water parameters are all fine, the nitrate has been at zero lately because of water changes trying to clear an algae bloom in the water (that was caused because my filter decided to backwash all its gunk into the tank :/) . But all other parameters are stable and fine.

So I’m just wondering if anyone could give me insight into what this might be. His fins are very similar in length still and the red one doesn’t look jagged so I’m not sure if it’s fin rot or not.

Side not I don’t really have a tank I can put him into to treat so if I do need to treat him is there anyway I can do it with him still in his community tank?

thank you in advance, sincerely, a concerned fish mum.
(I looked for answers around the forum first but can’t find anything exactly like his case so I’m creating a seperate thread for it)

 

[BigManAquatics]

Not really leaning towards finrot as the fins that would usually get it first look great! Could be a it of color change going on, as it is not very often that white bettas actually stay white, often turning a pinkish/reddish hue.

 

[birbbeanjpg]

Not really leaning towards finrot as the fins that would usually get it first look great! Could be a it of color change going on, as it is not very often that white bettas actually stay white, often turning a pinkish/reddish hue.

Sure, ok. I’ll definitely just keep an eye on him then. But I was leaning towards it more just being a colour change as it’s so uniform. Thank you for your answer! It’s very much appreciated.

 

[Debbie1986]

I had an Opaline Betta full moon who developed a pink tint to his 1 fin.

It occurred as he neared the 1 year in age mark. I was thinking at the time it was a maturity /hormone thing. It was a dull almost mauve color, not fin damage at all, just odd coloring that came through as he aged.

I wonder if it's a recessive trait that comes out as the animal ages? Like how humans get longer nose hair? LOL

 

[birbbeanjpg]

I had an Opaline Betta full moon who developed a pink tint to his 1 fin.

It occurred as he neared the 1 year in age mark. I was thinking at the time it was a maturity /hormone thing. It was a dull almost mauve color, not fin damage at all, just odd coloring that came through as he aged.

I wonder if it's a recessive trait that comes out as the animal ages? Like how humans get longer nose hair? LOL

Oh yeah; that’s so curious isn’t it. My boy is not quite a year old so it might be a similar thing then.

 

[SinisterKisses]

Agreed. White bettas are almost always temporary. They usually change colour as they mature.

 

[birbbeanjpg]

A little update. It’s the night now, I noticed it this morning. He is now not swimming using that fin. It’s pinned to his side and he’s only swimming with his other pectoral fin. Any clue why that might be??

A little update. It’s the night now, I noticed it this morning. He is now not swimming using that fin. It’s pinned to his side and he’s only swimming with his other pectoral fin. Any clue why that might be??

I did just do another water change a couple hours ago but I don’t see why stress would cause him to stop using a particular fin to swim (it is the one with the red on it). So that’s really odd.
Updated photos. I included one of his “normal” fin too.

A little update. It’s the night now, I noticed it this morning. He is now not swimming using that fin. It’s pinned to his side and he’s only swimming with his other pectoral fin. Any clue why that might be??

I did just do another water change a couple hours ago but I don’t see why stress would cause him to stop using a particular fin to swim (it is the one with the red on it). So that’s really odd.
Updated photos. I included one of his “normal” fin too.

When I fed him dinner just then he did spread the red fin out and used it, but now it’s pinned to his side again. He’s using it only just slightly.

 

[SinisterKisses]

Okay yes, those new photos do look problematic. What's the temp of the tank at?

Do you have a smaller hospital tank you could move him into? My recommended treatment plan will not make those plants happy where he's at, nor the inverts (salt and heat).

 

[birbbeanjpg]

Okay yes, those new photos do look problematic. What's the temp of the tank at?

Do you have a smaller hospital tank you could move him into? My recommended treatment plan will not make those plants happy where he's at, nor the inverts (salt and heat).

Just woke up this morning it’s 7:00am and his fin is now completely red DX. (Lights haven’t come on yet)

the tank he’s in is a constant 25* Celsius. I think that’s 77 Fahrenheit.
I do have a smaller tank it’s 2 gallons but I don’t have another heater. I can go out and buy one today though because I’ll do anything for my little boy.
Any idea what’s the cause of this? I’ve never seen it before.

I’ll attach a new picture. It’s looking really scary. I hope I can help him.
Just woke up this morning it’s 7:00am and his fin is now completely red DX. (Lights haven’t come on yet)

the tank he’s in is a constant 25* Celsius. I think that’s 77 Fahrenheit.
I do have a smaller tank it’s 2 gallons but I don’t have another heater. I can go out and buy one today though because I’ll do anything for my little boy.
Any idea what’s the cause of this? I’ve never seen it before.

I’ll attach a new picture. It’s looking really scary. I hope I can help him.

Would you recommend adding anything to the hospital tank or just leaving it completely empty? I do have a Betta hammock that I could put in for him to rest on up higher.
Also do you think I should get the heater or just put him into the hospital tank asap? In Australia it’s about 25 degrees (77 Fahrenheit) right now in the air. And it only gets hotter through the day. But colder at night so a heater is definitely needed.

Just woke up this morning it’s 7:00am and his fin is now completely red DX. (Lights haven’t come on yet)

the tank he’s in is a constant 25* Celsius. I think that’s 77 Fahrenheit.
I do have a smaller tank it’s 2 gallons but I don’t have another heater. I can go out and buy one today though because I’ll do anything for my little boy.
Any idea what’s the cause of this? I’ve never seen it before.

I’ll attach a new picture. It’s looking really scary. I hope I can help him.
Just woke up this morning it’s 7:00am and his fin is now completely red DX. (Lights haven’t come on yet)

Would you recommend adding anything to the hospital tank or just leaving it completely empty? I do have a Betta hammock that I could put in for him to rest on up higher.
Also do you think I should get the heater or just put him into the hospital tank asap? In Australia it’s about 25 degrees (77 Fahrenheit) right now in the air. And it only gets hotter through the day. But colder at night so a heater is definitely needed.

I’m setting up the filter for it too right? Just wanting to confirm things so I know I’m doing it right.
Just woke up this morning it’s 7:00am and his fin is now completely red DX. (Lights haven’t come on yet)

the tank he’s in is a constant 25* Celsius. I think that’s 77 Fahrenheit.
I do have a smaller tank it’s 2 gallons but I don’t have another heater. I can go out and buy one today though because I’ll do anything for my little boy.
Any idea what’s the cause of this? I’ve never seen it before.

I’ll attach a new picture. It’s looking really scary. I hope I can help him.
Just woke up this morning it’s 7:00am and his fin is now completely red DX. (Lights haven’t come on yet)

Would you recommend adding anything to the hospital tank or just leaving it completely empty? I do have a Betta hammock that I could put in for him to rest on up higher.
Also do you think I should get the heater or just put him into the hospital tank asap? In Australia it’s about 25 degrees (77 Fahrenheit) right now in the air. And it only gets hotter through the day. But colder at night so a heater is definitely needed.

I’m setting up the filter for it too right? Just wanting to confirm things so I know I’m doing it right.

Oh, one more thing. Should I just fill the tank with fresh clean water? Or would using water from my big tank be helpful (again, just asking everything because I really don’t know what I’m doing right now.)
Just woke up this morning it’s 7:00am and his fin is now completely red DX. (Lights haven’t come on yet)

the tank he’s in is a constant 25* Celsius. I think that’s 77 Fahrenheit.
I do have a smaller tank it’s 2 gallons but I don’t have another heater. I can go out and buy one today though because I’ll do anything for my little boy.
Any idea what’s the cause of this? I’ve never seen it before.

I’ll attach a new picture. It’s looking really scary. I hope I can help him.
Just woke up this morning it’s 7:00am and his fin is now completely red DX. (Lights haven’t come on yet)

Would you recommend adding anything to the hospital tank or just leaving it completely empty? I do have a Betta hammock that I could put in for him to rest on up higher.
Also do you think I should get the heater or just put him into the hospital tank asap? In Australia it’s about 25 degrees (77 Fahrenheit) right now in the air. And it only gets hotter through the day. But colder at night so a heater is definitely needed.

I’m setting up the filter for it too right? Just wanting to confirm things so I know I’m doing it right.
Just woke up this morning it’s 7:00am and his fin is now completely red DX. (Lights haven’t come on yet)

Oh, one more thing. Should I just fill the tank with fresh clean water? Or would using water from my big tank be helpful (again, just asking everything because I really don’t know what I’m doing right now.)

I do have a bottle of API Melafix too if that’d be any help. I’ve been using it to successfully treat another Betta that I rescued. He has really shredded fin rot and they’re growing back wonderfully now.
also just as another note, I use api stresscoat for dechlorinating my water. Would dosing that up in the new tank help too? Double doses can be used for stressed fish.

 

[SinisterKisses]

I dislike how this forum merges posts together. That's hard to follow.

Okay first off - 77 is colder than it should be. Best temp for bettas is 80-82°. 78 should be bare minimum, and from experience after breeding for years, 80-82 should be what you aim for.

Next - watch it with Melafix. Tea tree oil (which is what it is) can be bad for any labyrinth fish, including bettas.

Get an adjustable heater that's the right size for your 2 gal and move him over. Set it to 85-86° (for medicinal purposes, 80-82 should be a regular round the clock temp for healthy bettas). Use entirely new fresh water, and add aquarium salt (salt dose is 1 tbsp per 5gal of water, so use 1/2 tbsp).

Then do DAILY water changes. At least 75%. After a water change, replace the salt ONLY for the new amount of water. Salt doesn't evaporate, so the only way to remove it is via water changes. Therefore, only treat the new water again once a water change is done.

Do this for a few days and see how he does. Nice warm water, super clean water, and the salt can do amazing things for a sick betta.

 

[birbbeanjpg]

I dislike how this forum merges posts together. That's hard to follow.

Okay first off - 77 is colder than it should be. Best temp for bettas is 80-82°. 78 should be bare minimum, and from experience after breeding for years, 80-82 should be what you aim for.

Next - watch it with Melafix. Tea tree oil (which is what it is) can be bad for any labyrinth fish, including bettas.

Get an adjustable heater that's the right size for your 2 gal and move him over. Set it to 85-86° (for medicinal purposes, 80-82 should be a regular round the clock temp for healthy bettas). Use entirely new fresh water, and add aquarium salt (salt dose is 1 tbsp per 5gal of water, so use 1/2 tbsp).

Then do DAILY water changes. At least 75%. After a water change, replace the salt ONLY for the new amount of water. Salt doesn't evaporate, so the only way to remove it is via water changes. Therefore, only treat the new water again once a water change is done.

Do this for a few days and see how he does. Nice warm water, super clean water, and the salt can do amazing things for a sick betta.

Ok thank you so much for your response. Any idea what the issue actually is??

I had the tank set a little colder because I read that Pygmy corydoras only like it 72-79. So I wasn’t sure.

also when it comes to doing the water changes should I try get the fresh water I’m adding to the same temperature before putting it into the tank? Because it won’t be warm otherwise.
A

Ok thank you so much for your response. Any idea what the issue actually is??

I had the tank set a little colder because I read that Pygmy corydoras only like it 72-79. So I wasn’t sure.

also when it comes to doing the water changes should I try get the fresh water I’m adding to the same temperature before putting it into the tank? Because it won’t be warm otherwise.

And also, should I set up a filter for the hospital tank? Or just leave it because of all the water changes I’ll be doing anyway.

 

[SinisterKisses]

As long as you are doing large daily water changes, you can go without a filter. But definitely need an adjustable heater to get the heat up and keep it consistent. Temp changes are killer for a betta.

Yes, the new water you add should match the temperature of what you took out, or you'll shock him and cause more problems. It doesn't have to be EXACT, but very close. I just feel-test with my hand until it matches.

 

[birbbeanjpg]

As long as you are doing large daily water changes, you can go without a filter. But definitely need an adjustable heater to get the heat up and keep it consistent. Temp changes are killer for a betta.

Yes, the new water you add should match the temperature of what you took out, or you'll shock him and cause more problems. It doesn't have to be EXACT, but very close. I just feel-test with my hand until it matches.

Ok thank you so much. Hopefully all goes well.

 

[birbbeanjpg]

I still can’t figure out that exactly is the issue with him. It doesn’t fit the criteria of any diseases I’m looking at.
He’s in the hospital tank now. Definitely looks quite sad and he’s not swimming much at all just floating (he’s still upright though, just relaxing) or sometimes sitting on the bottom of the tank. Hopefully it’s more just him resting rather than him being “depressed”. I just feel sad to see him not moving and this is the smallest tank he’s been in since I got him. His dorsal fin seems pretty clamped up right now too so I hope he’s not too stressed.

 

[birbbeanjpg]

As long as you are doing large daily water changes, you can go without a filter. But definitely need an adjustable heater to get the heat up and keep it consistent. Temp changes are killer for a betta.

Ok thank you so much. Hopefully all goes well.

I still can’t figure out that exactly is the issue with him. It doesn’t fit the criteria of any diseases I’m looking at.
He’s in the hospital tank now. Definitely looks quite sad and he’s not swimming much at all just floating (he’s still upright though, just relaxing) or sometimes sitting on the bottom of the tank. Hopefully it’s more just him resting rather than him being “depressed”. I just feel sad to see him not moving and this is the smallest tank he’s been in since I got him. His dorsal fin seems pretty clamped up right now too so I hope he’s not too stressed.



night now and he doesn’t seem to have much of an appetite. The tank is currently at a temperature of 84. I did have the filter set up originally but he seemed to struggle a bit with the flow so it’s been off. Just staying very still most of the day since I put him in this tank.
I tried to feed him some frozen bloodworms , which usually he loves, and he ate a couple but he left the rest so now it’s just sitting at the bottom of the tank. I’ll scoop out the untouched food if he still doesn’t eat it.
it’s very sad to see though because his whole life with me he has always been very energetic, never still and completely food loving. Just stuffs himself with the bloodworms and brine shrimp when I feed the tank. So he’s very much out of it at the moment. Nothing like himself. Hopefully he more like himself again soon.
It’s just interesting because this morning even despite his sore fin, he was still swimming everywhere. But now he’s in the hospital tank he’s been doing nothing.

 

[Rose of Sharon]

Hi,

I don't mean to highjack the thread or anything, but I just wanted to add that if you have a small air stone, you could try to use that for a little while to up the oxygen level in the hospital tank if you aren't going to add a filter. Even though bettas have labyrinth organs and get air from the top of the tank, high heat will deplete the oxygen in the tank water which causes the betta to need to swim to the top for air more often, and adding a small bit of agitation off and on may help. Most will say they don't need it, but sluggishness can be due to low oxygen levels. Adding the betta leaf towards the top of the tank might help.

If an air stone is too strong for the 2 gallon tank, you could always try using it in the new treated tank water before you add it when doing a water change.

The red/pink on his fin does look like a color change to me, like others posted eariler. Do you see any other issues on his body? One clamped fin could mean an injury, or if he is having some issues with breathing along with the clamped fin, it could indicate something else.

You can try soaking his food in some garlic infused water to give him an immune system boost. Just cut up a bit of garlic, soak it in clean, treated tank water for a while, and then soak his food in some of that water.

Hope this helps!

 

[birbbeanjpg]

Hi,

I don't mean to highjack the thread or anything, but I just wanted to add that if you have a small air stone, you could try to use that for a little while to up the oxygen level in the hospital tank if you aren't going to add a filter. Even though bettas have labyrinth organs and get air from the top of the tank, high heat will deplete the oxygen in the tank water which causes the betta to need to swim to the top for air more often, and adding a small bit of agitation off and on may help. Most will say they don't need it, but sluggishness can be due to low oxygen levels. Adding the betta leaf towards the top of the tank might help.

If an air stone is too strong for the 2 gallon tank, you could always try using it in the new treated tank water before you add it when doing a water change.

The red/pink on his fin does look like a color change to me, like others posted eariler. Do you see any other issues on his body? One clamped fin could mean an injury, or if he is having some issues with breathing along with the clamped fin, it could indicate something else.

You can try soaking his food in some garlic infused water to give him an immune system boost. Just cut up a bit of garlic, soak it in clean, treated tank water for a while, and then soak his food in some of that water.

Hope this helps!

Hey, no need to apologise, I appreciate any help I can get. I’m afraid that adding an airstone might be too strong a current but it definitely seems like he is going up for air more often so I’ll try figure something out. I’ve got the Betta leaf in there which he has been sleeping on so that’s helpful for him.

I’ve been making a little log of his progress so I’ll just paste that here:

08.03- am- noticed red around
the rim of his right fin.
08.03- pm- a little more opaque in red.
Swimming with it pinned to his side.

09.03- am- really red covering the whole fin.
Seems to be resting a lot trying not to swim
Put him in the hospital tank now.
09.03- pm- doesn’t seem to be red on the rim anymore but the edges are really rough.
Didn’t have much of an appetite.

10.03- am- red space is less but so is the
size of his fin. About half the size
of his healthy fin and very
stringy and shredded on the ends.
He ate a big breakfast.
Doing a 75% water change today.
10.03- pm- very lethargic but he ate some
dinner. The red spot looks a lot
smaller and in person it’s kind
of more brown so I think it’s getting better.

11.03- am- all redness is gone in his
fin but it’s definitely really shredded.
It’s about the size of a regular bettas fins now (as
But hopefully it only gets better from here.


so this morning the red/pink is completely gone and his fin is showing clear signs of fin rot. Do you think I should just continue with the salt and heat or is there anything else I could do?

I’ll definitely think about adding an airstone in for small increments just to help him out. Everything else about him seems fine. No issues with breathing as far as I can tell and his body and other fins are still pristine.
I’m thinking maybe he somehow did injure his fin a little (although I can’t see where as my tank is really set up to prevent that) and then due to the open wound it got infected and now he’s got the inevitable fin rot.

I’ll attach a few pictures in order of the progress. Earliest to now. Hopefully they stay in order, but if not it’s pretty clear to tell

Hey, no need to apologise, I appreciate any help I can get. I’m afraid that adding an airstone might be too strong a current but it definitely seems like he is going up for air more often so I’ll try figure something out. I’ve got the Betta leaf in there which he has been sleeping on so that’s helpful for him.

I’ve been making a little log of his progress so I’ll just paste that here:

08.03- am- noticed red around
the rim of his right fin.
08.03- pm- a little more opaque in red.
Swimming with it pinned to his side.

09.03- am- really red covering the whole fin.
Seems to be resting a lot trying not to swim
Put him in the hospital tank now.
09.03- pm- doesn’t seem to be red on the rim anymore but the edges are really rough.
Didn’t have much of an appetite.

10.03- am- red space is less but so is the
size of his fin. About half the size
of his healthy fin and very
stringy and shredded on the ends.
He ate a big breakfast.
Doing a 75% water change today.
10.03- pm- very lethargic but he ate some
dinner. The red spot looks a lot
smaller and in person it’s kind
of more brown so I think it’s getting better.

11.03- am- all redness is gone in his
fin but it’s definitely really shredded.
It’s about the size of a regular bettas fins now (as
But hopefully it only gets better from here.


so this morning the red/pink is completely gone and his fin is showing clear signs of fin rot. Do you think I should just continue with the salt and heat or is there anything else I could do?

I’ll definitely think about adding an airstone in for small increments just to help him out. Everything else about him seems fine. No issues with breathing as far as I can tell and his body and other fins are still pristine.
I’m thinking maybe he somehow did injure his fin a little (although I can’t see where as my tank is really set up to prevent that) and then due to the open wound it got infected and now he’s got the inevitable fin rot.

I’ll attach a few pictures in order of the progress. Earliest to now. Hopefully they stay in order, but if not it’s pretty clear to tell

Oh gosh, one more thing I’m just looking at him in the tank now the lights are on, and there are literally pieces of his fin floating around the tank. Any idea why this is such a harsh rejection or the fin tissue??

 

[Rose of Sharon]

Wow, his poor little fin is really diminished. He is a very beautiful boy! I am glad that the color is back to normal! Hopefully his fin will grow back to normal with clean water and good food.

Bettas find a way to get into trouble sometimes by trying to fit into very small places that they shouldn't be. Is there any way that he squeezed into a small space not meant for him, like maybe behind the heater or filter?

I would recommend that you keep a very close eye on the gill and gill plate on that right side, just to make sure there isn't anything going on. You will see the signs of some type of growth if it's fungus, or an increased issue with breathing if it is flukes, along with red or brown coloring. Parasites don't usually just pop up unless introduced into a closed system by new tank inhabitants, or by serious issues with water quality. Watch his lips for any change there, too.

As for the salt, I would use it for no longer than 10 days. Any longer and it can become ineffective. Also, make sure that you are using the right amount, and make sure that you are actually dissolving the salt before adding it to the hospital tank. The turned up heat will help prevent fungus, or maybe in cases of something like columnaris that is caught very early.

I know that you are in Australia, so I am not sure what you have access to as far as meds are concerned. I find that having methylene blue on hand is very helpful for fin issues. You can do a quick dip (follow the instructions on the bottle), or you can do an extended 30 minute bath. I have done 30 minute baths for fin issues and had success. If you can get the methylene blue, you can set up a one gallon bucket with heated and treated tank water. Add one fourth of a teaspoon of methylene blue to the bath. If you want to add a little aquarium salt, you can do that also.

You will want to keep the bucket in a warm area so the water doesn't get too cold. When you put the betta in the bath, watch him closely for signs of stress. If you see him poop right away, remove him. That is a sure sign of stress. But if he settles down, then leave him. Be careful when using the MB as it will stain everything it touches...your clothes, your fingers, the counter tops...just everything. MB is a med that has been used for a very long time by fish keepers.

Wish I had a definite answer for you. Keep us updated if anything else changes.

 

[birbbeanjpg]

Wow, his poor little fin is really diminished. He is a very beautiful boy! I am glad that the color is back to normal! Hopefully his fin will grow back to normal with clean water and good food.

Bettas find a way to get into trouble sometimes by trying to fit into very small places that they shouldn't be. Is there any way that he squeezed into a small space not meant for him, like maybe behind the heater or filter?

I would recommend that you keep a very close eye on the gill and gill plate on that right side, just to make sure there isn't anything going on. You will see the signs of some type of growth if it's fungus, or an increased issue with breathing if it is flukes, along with red or brown coloring. Parasites don't usually just pop up unless introduced into a closed system by new tank inhabitants, or by serious issues with water quality. Watch his lips for any change there, too.

As for the salt, I would use it for no longer than 10 days. Any longer and it can become ineffective. Also, make sure that you are using the right amount, and make sure that you are actually dissolving the salt before adding it to the hospital tank. The turned up heat will help prevent fungus, or maybe in cases of something like columnaris that is caught very early.

I know that you are in Australia, so I am not sure what you have access to as far as meds are concerned. I find that having methylene blue on hand is very helpful for fin issues. You can do a quick dip (follow the instructions on the bottle), or you can do an extended 30 minute bath. I have done 30 minute baths for fin issues and had success. If you can get the methylene blue, you can set up a one gallon bucket with heated and treated tank water. Add one fourth of a teaspoon of methylene blue to the bath. If you want to add a little aquarium salt, you can do that also.

You will want to keep the bucket in a warm area so the water doesn't get too cold. When you put the betta in the bath, watch him closely for signs of stress. If you see him poop right away, remove him. That is a sure sign of stress. But if he settles down, then leave him. Be careful when using the MB as it will stain everything it touches...your clothes, your fingers, the counter tops...just everything. MB is a med that has been used for a very long time by fish keepers.

Wish I had a definite answer for you. Keep us updated if anything else changes.

Thank you very much for your help. I’m so grateful. I’ll definitely look into some of the things you’ve suggested and i will keep a close eye on him.

 

[birbbeanjpg]

Wow, his poor little fin is really diminished. He is a very beautiful boy! I am glad that the color is back to normal! Hopefully his fin will grow back to normal with clean water and good food.

Thank you very much for your help. I’m so grateful. I’ll definitely look into some of the things you’ve suggested and i will keep a close eye on him.

Night now and his fin is even smaller. Practically a nub now. I really don’t know why it’s not stopping. I did another water change today so everything is clean (including the salt too from what I took out). He ate breakfast but seems to have no appetite for dinner.

Night now and his fin is even smaller. Practically a nub now. I really don’t know why it’s not stopping. I did another water change today so everything is clean (including the salt too from what I took out). He ate breakfast but seems to have no appetite for dinner.

I’ve just found an article saying that lowering the temperature could help delay further bacteria from spreading. Supposedly warmer temperatures spread bacteria faster. What if that’s causing his fin to deteriorate faster?

 

[Rose of Sharon]

I think that I would go ahead and bring his temp down to about 80 degrees now. You have had him at a higher temp for a few days...

 

[Debbie1986]

google 'betta tail biting'

dumbos/elephant ears are notorious for self mutational

I'm on my 4th one ( he was white, now mostly pink elephant ear). no mutilation yet, but I had 2 purple males that would bite their own front fin

1 side would always be smaller than other and it was not a genetic defect.

Just some thought. it might not be fin rot if your water parameters and quality are good. It can be stress. Just like how some dogs are wired to not be an in house dog ( hunting dogs) some bettas maybe under stressed so they act out. Like a lion in capativity, they need stimulation - if it is fin biting

 

[birbbeanjpg]

google 'betta tail biting'

dumbos/elephant ears are notorious for self mutational

I'm on my 4th one ( he was white, now mostly pink elephant ear). no mutilation yet, but I had 2 purple males that would bite their own front fin

1 side would always be smaller than other and it was not a genetic defect.

Just some thought. it might not be fin rot if your water parameters and quality are good. It can be stress. Just like how some dogs are wired to not be an in house dog ( hunting dogs) some bettas maybe under stressed so they act out. Like a lion in capativity, they need stimulation - if it is fin biting

Totally, i get you. I don’t think it was “tail biting” as there was never a chunk ripped out or anything clear as a bite. It started just as the red rim and then quickly and evenly started to deteriorate, very shredded and ragged in appearance. Very clearly rotting away and not a self inflicted thing.
The tank that he was in is honestly the most peaceful thing for him, haha. 17gallons and only inhabitants are him, 10 Pygmy corys, 2 ottos and a mystery snail. And it’s heavily planted. He has always been super relaxed in there and isn’t bothered or aggressive towards any of the fish or the snail. He’s a peaceful boy. So zero stress at all.
I’ve included a picture (my Betta isn’t in it obviously because he’s in the hospital tank, you can see him just peeking at me in the left side of the photo, haha. I definitely think he misses his “kingdom”)

but I definitely agree with all that you’ve said. It makes perfect sense.

 

[birbbeanjpg]

I think that I would go ahead and bring his temp down to about 80 degrees now. You have had him at a higher temp for a few days...

It’s been a few days, still doing water changes daily. sadly his fin is completely gone and there’s no sign of regrowth on his fin. There was a little swelling in the joint though where the fin would grow but that’s gone down now. However, I just woke up this morning and there’s signs of that same pinky/red in his healthy fin!! So I’m really freaking out now because if he loses both fins his chances of survival are low.

What do I do!? He’s still eating and has even been more lively lately, so I hoped he was getting better. But now his other fin is starting to be affected. Already clamping it a little.

I’ve ordered some methylene blue online but that won’t be here for a few days.

I can’t get a photo of the development on his healthy fin yet because the lights aren’t on. But it’s very much similar to the earliest stages of that happened to his other fun.

 

[Rose of Sharon]

Wow, I have never seen or read about any type of rot, infection, or parasite that acts this way...by consuming both pectoral fins without the betta showing other signs of distress....lack of appetite, breathing problems, over production of slime/mucus, rubbing against decor, lethargy.... Usually the frequent water changes, aquarium salt treatments, and maybe the addition of Indian almond leaves works on rot. In my experiences, the addition of antibiotics is only necessary in the absolute worse cases where rot has progressed towards the body. And I know from reading many posts here by people who live in Australia that meds/antibiotics are hard to come by.

A201, can you help?

 

[birbbeanjpg]

Wow, I have never seen or read about any type of rot, infection, or parasite that acts this way...by consuming both pectoral fins without the betta showing other signs of distress....lack of appetite, breathing problems, over production of slime/mucus, rubbing against decor, lethargy.... Usually the frequent water changes, aquarium salt treatments, and maybe the addition of Indian almond leaves works on rot. In my experiences, the addition of antibiotics is only necessary in the absolute worse cases where rot has progressed towards the body. And I know from reading many posts here by people who live in Australia that meds/antibiotics are hard to come by.

A201, can you help?

Thank you so much for all the help that you have given me. It definitely is a strange case. He did lose his appetite a couple times during the loss of that first fin, but only for a single meal at a time. So it’s really odd.

My current plan of action is to just keep doing what I’m doing and hope for a miracle. If he does lose his second fin then I’ll probably drain the water lower so he doesn’t have to swim as much and I’ll wait a couple days. If he loses his appetite and won’t eat for those couple days or there’s no signs of regrowth then the best option would probably just be to put him to sleep.
I’m really sad but I don’t want him to be in pain or unable to cope with life. It just wouldn’t be fair.
His left fin is already streaked with that pinky/red colour and he’s clamped it up and isn’t using it. So sadly my hope is running out. Here’s a picture, it definitely looks a little more red in real life. But it’s absolutely the same as what happened to his right one.

 

[birbbeanjpg]

Thank you so much for all the help that you have given me. It definitely is a strange case. He did lose his appetite a couple times during the loss of that first fin, but only for a single meal at a time. So it’s really odd.

My current plan of action is to just keep doing what I’m doing and hope for a miracle. If he does lose his second fin then I’ll probably drain the water lower so he doesn’t have to swim as much and I’ll wait a couple days. If he loses his appetite and won’t eat for those couple days or there’s no signs of regrowth then the best option would probably just be to put him to sleep.
I’m really sad but I don’t want him to be in pain or unable to cope with life. It just wouldn’t be fair.
His left fin is already streaked with that pinky/red colour and he’s clamped it up and isn’t using it. So sadly my hope is running out. Here’s a picture, it definitely looks a little more red in real life. But it’s absolutely the same as what happened to his right one.

Current state of his fin :’(

 

[Rose of Sharon]

I really hope you don't have to put him down. He is such a gorgeous fish! Where there's life, there's hope. He may be able to live without his pectoral fins (?)...never know until you get there and try it. I had a betta with an internal injury to his swim bladder. I lowered his water level, added lots of places for him to lay at the water line, and he was able to live after that for a year. He was just a special needs betta. It just took a little bit of effort. I'm hoping that someone else can weigh in with some other advice that might help...

 

[birbbeanjpg]

I really hope you don't have to put him down. He is such a gorgeous fish! Where there's life, there's hope. He may be able to live without his pectoral fins (?)...never know until you get there and try it. I had a betta with an internal injury to his swim bladder. I lowered his water level, added lots of places for him to lay at the water line, and he was able to live after that for a year. He was just a special needs betta. It just took a little bit of effort. I'm hoping that someone else can weigh in with some other advice that might help...

I’ve continued care for him as per usual (stopped the salt at 10 days). His second pectoral fin did completely break down. Lots of white/clear fuzz so it was definitely something fungal. That has stopped though but yesterday I noticed a few light streaks of pink on his tail and analfin. Now it’s the evening and he’s tucked himself in by the heater and the corner of the tank. He’s very much out of it. Floating (still upright though) and dazed. He didn’t come to the front for food and when I poked him gently he didn’t swim away. He was still getting oxygen occasionally but he’s definitely on his way out. Looking closer I’ve also spotted that he’s got the beginnings of some pine coming happening with his scales. I’ve done all I can but sadly he’s just probably not going to make it. Just sharing this last update in case anyone in the future has any ideas about what it was.
I’ve attached two (poor quality) photos of the slight pink colour on his tail and analfin and of the pineconing although it’s hard to see. It’s definitely there.

I really hope you don't have to put him down. He is such a gorgeous fish! Where there's life, there's hope. He may be able to live without his pectoral fins (?)...never know until you get there and try it. I had a betta with an internal injury to his swim bladder. I lowered his water level, added lots of places for him to lay at the water line, and he was able to live after that for a year. He was just a special needs betta. It just took a little bit of effort. I'm hoping that someone else can weigh in with some other advice that might help...

I’ve continued care for him as per usual (stopped the salt at 10 days). His second pectoral fin did completely break down. Lots of white/clear fuzz so it was definitely something fungal. That has stopped though but yesterday I noticed a few light streaks of pink on his tail and analfin. Now it’s the evening and he’s tucked himself in by the heater and the corner of the tank. He’s very much out of it. Floating (still upright though) and dazed. He didn’t come to the front for food and when I poked him gently he didn’t swim away. He was still getting oxygen occasionally but he’s definitely on his way out. Looking closer I’ve also spotted that he’s got the beginnings of some pine coming happening with his scales. I’ve done all I can but sadly he’s just probably not going to make it. Just sharing this last update in case anyone in the future has any ideas about what it was.
I’ve attached two (poor quality) photos of the slight pink colour on his tail and analfin and of the pineconing although it’s hard to see. It’s definitely there.

I’ve continued care for him as per usual (stopped the salt at 10 days). His second pectoral fin did completely break down. Lots of white/clear fuzz so it was definitely something fungal. That has stopped though but yesterday I noticed a few light streaks of pink on his tail and analfin. Now it’s the evening and he’s tucked himself in by the heater and the corner of the tank. He’s very much out of it. Floating (still upright though) and dazed. He didn’t come to the front for food and when I poked him gently he didn’t swim away. He was still getting oxygen occasionally but he’s definitely on his way out. Looking closer I’ve also spotted that he’s got the beginnings of some pine coming happening with his scales. I’ve done all I can but sadly he’s just probably not going to make it. Just sharing this last update in case anyone in the future has any ideas about what it was.
I’ve attached two (poor quality) photos of the slight pink colour on his tail and analfin and of the pineconing although it’s hard to see. It’s definitely there.

I’ve continued care for him as per usual (stopped the salt at 10 days). His second pectoral fin did completely break down. Lots of white/clear fuzz so it was definitely something fungal. That has stopped though but yesterday I noticed a few light streaks of pink on his tail and analfin. Now it’s the evening and he’s tucked himself in by the heater and the corner of the tank. He’s very much out of it. Floating (still upright though) and dazed. He didn’t come to the front for food and when I poked him gently he didn’t swim away. He was still getting oxygen occasionally but he’s definitely on his way out. Looking closer I’ve also spotted that he’s got the beginnings of some pine coming happening with his scales. I’ve done all I can but sadly he’s just probably not going to make it. Just sharing this last update in case anyone in the future has any ideas about what it was.
I’ve attached two (poor quality) photos of the slight pink colour on his tail and analfin and of the pineconing although it’s hard to see. It’s definitely there.

Here’s one more photo of the white growth I noticed while he lost his second pectoral fin. Also one last question, just wondering if I should do anything to treat my community tank where he was originally located? I removed him from it early on so it should be fine right? Anyway, thank you guys for all your help and suggestions as I attempted to navigate this peculiar situation with my sweet boy.