Is My Betta Sick Or Is It His Coloring?

hI all! So first time owner but I did my research and set up my aquarium well (I think) I’ve checked the PH and it’s fine but I might have bought a sick fish. The people at the fish store told me he liked floating on his side because his fins were too large and the water too shallow. In a few weeks though, he seems all better! His coloring has majorly improved and he sleeps on his aquarium plants instead of in his side at the top of the tank! He’s also become less shy and is not hiding behind the plants and wood that are in his tank and comes to the edge of the tank when I’m in the room! But I noticed this discoloration around his gills. He’s still acting much better than when I first got him but I’m still concerned. Please tell me, is this his normal coloring or does he have a disease or fungus or something? Also... that’s his coloring and not stress striping, right? I haven’t had him long, but I love him very much and would be devastated if anything happened to him. Thanks!

 

He’s made a bubble nest that’s a good sign!

 

He’s made a bubble nest that’s a good sign!

Yes!!! I was so happy to see he was feeling good enough to do that! What do you think about the coloring around his gills though? He’s multi-colored so I can’t figure out if it’s his coloring or not?

 

He looks like healthy boy to me, very colorful! I can't remember exactly what classifies a Grizzle type betta but he looks similar to that, either that or a marble I think.

 

Looks fine to me. A healthy betta. He's a marbled betta.

 

just his colouring! some of them have white around the gill plates.

 

Y’all are amazing. Thanks for the feedback! I’ve been so worried about him. I had no idea I’d get so attached to this little dude I’m glad to hear y’all think he’s okay!!!