Mystery Snail Stress Slime? W/betta Tank Mate Blowing Bubbles On Snail?

[Taradane]

My snail (gary) has a newly formed white fuzz? on his body. Ive found online so far that it could be stress slime? I am having trouble figuring out if that's what it is and what's causing it.
He is in a 4 gallon tank that is fully set up with a heater, filter, and all the necessities. Ammonia is 0. He is also with a male betta. I was told by "a fish store employee" that they could live together. I know it is on the small side but I was misinformed that that this was an okay size for them. I have not seen my fish bite the snail or act aggressive except he does seem to stay close to the snail alot.
Is this a form of aggression from the betta?
Note: my betta blows bubbles around my snail, does anyone know why he focuses on the snail for a nest?

 

[Coradee]

Welcome to Fishlore hope our snail keepers can help answer your question today

 

[CaptAnnDuchow]

His foot or his shell? I just want to be sure we are talking about the same part of the snail.

 

[Taradane]

His body that you only see if he comes out of his shell. On his sides near his head. And its only on one side of his body.

 

[CaptAnnDuchow]

His body that you only see if he comes out of his shell. On his sides near his head. And its only on one side of his body.

Yeah that sounds like stress slI'm and Bettas don't always like mystery snails in their tank. And 4 gallons is a bit small living quarters for the 2 of them. Do you happen to have another tank you can move the snail to?

 

[Taradane]

Yeah that sounds like stress slI'm and Bettas don't always like mystery snails in their tank. And 4 gallons is a bit small living quarters for the 2 of them. Do you happen to have another tank you can move the snail to?

Yeah but not long term, it doesn't have a heater either. What if I give the snail more hiding places?

 

[CaptAnnDuchow]

Yeah but not long term, it doesn't have a heater either. What if I give the snail more hiding places?

They really don't hide. You can wait it out if it hasn't been long and they may adjust to each other.

 

[LagerthaM]

My snail (gary) has a newly formed white fuzz? on his body. Ive found online so far that it could be stress slime? I am having trouble figuring out if that's what it is and what's causing it.
He is in a 4 gallon tank that is fully set up with a heater, filter, and all the necessities. Ammonia is 0. He is also with a male betta. I was told by "a fish store employee" that they could live together. I know it is on the small side but I was misinformed that that this was an okay size for them. I have not seen my fish bite the snail or act aggressive except he does seem to stay close to the snail alot.
Is this a form of aggression from the betta?
Note: my betta blows bubbles around my snail, does anyone know why he focuses on the snail for a nest?

I would recommend moving the snail. From personal experience bettas and mystery snails don't always mix well, on both ends. Bettas are predators so if they see something that they think is food they will try to eat it. Your betta may be nipping at the snail thinking its food and making the snail think its in danger. One of my boys did that when I put a snail in his tank and the snail was reacting similarly to yours. Maybe just put it in the tank you mentioned putting the snail in temporarily and see if that calms him down.

 

[Taradane]

Update!!! I added a heater to the 4 gallon tank with the Betta and Snail. I also added a mesh bag with carbon to the filter and that has improved water quality since it is a small tank. The white fuzz is going away gradually (since the heater and carbon has been added). I'm still watching the betta and still no nipping just hovering over the snail alot. I will try to get another tank set up to separate them. Ill have a snail/ african dwarf frog tank hopefully soon. Thank you for the advice everyone, and BIG THANK you for being nice about it since I am doing my best to keep them healthy and happy.

 

[Taradane]

They really don't hide. You can wait it out if it hasn't been long and they may adjust to each other.

I added a heater to the tank since this post.

 

[LagerthaM]

Update!!! I added a heater to the 4 gallon tank with the Betta and Snail. I also added a mesh bag with carbon to the filter and that has improved water quality since it is a small tank. The white fuzz is going away gradually (since the heater and carbon has been added). I'm still watching the betta and still no nipping just hovering over the snail alot. I will try to get another tank set up to separate them. Ill have a snail/ african dwarf frog tank hopefully soon. Thank you for the advice everyone, and BIG THANK you for being nice about it since I am doing my best to keep them healthy and happy.

I am glad to hear that things are improving, hopefully, it stays that way. Best of luck!