Sick Betta Fish

[Shafira01]

Hello! I'm new here, I was looking everywhere for a place to ask for some help. So I got this beautiful red male betta but I think there is something wrong with his fins. The end of his tail appears a kind of milky yellowish stuff and few black spots on it.... I thought it was fin rot so I used the heater to make the water warmer and bactopur for medicine. I don't think it helps at all. The weird thing is I left from home for two days (these two days the fish didn't ate and I didn't put any medicine) and when I came back he was 90% healthy! I used the medicine again to make sure that everything is gone but not the milky thing regrows again..... Any advise? I would truly appreciate your help. (Sorry for my bad English, still learning)

 

[MaddyP]

Hello! I'm new here, I was looking everywhere for a place to ask for some help. So I got this beautiful red male betta but I think there is something wrong with his fins. The end of his tail appears a kind of milky yellowish stuff and few black spots on it.... I thought it was fin rot so I used the heater to make the water warmer and bactopur for medicine. I don't think it helps at all. The weird thing is I left from home for two days (these two days the fish didn't ate and I didn't put any medicine) and when I came back he was 90% healthy! I used the medicine again to make sure that everything is gone but not the milky thing regrows again..... Any advise? I would truly appreciate your help. (Sorry for my bad English, still learning)

I'm sorry to hear that your betta is sick! Could you upload a picture of him? That way it might be easier for people to help you diagnos the problem.

 

[Shafira01]

I'm sorry to hear that your betta is sick! Could you upload a picture of him? That way it might be easier for people to help you diagnos the problem.

Yes if course! You will see in the end of his tail the yellowish milky thing I'm taking about.

(Btw I have a heater to 28° Celsius, the water is not dirty it's just the bactopur that makes the water green and I also have a small air pump for oxygenation always required during medication.... This is what the label from the medicine says. Also he's in a small 2 gallon hospital. Before the hospital he was in a 5 gallon tank with heater, filter fully cycled.)

 

[MaddyP]

Yes if course! You will see in the end of his tail the yellowish milky thing I'm taking about.

(Btw I have a heater to 28° Celsius, the water is not dirty it's just the bactopur that makes the water green and I also have a small air pump for oxygenation always required during medication.... This is what the label from the medicine says. Also he's in a small 2 gallon hospital. Before the hospital he was in a 5 gallon tank with heater, filter fully cycled.)View attachment 537166

How often do you change the water? And how much if so? Do you add conditioner and salt?

I'm far from an expert, I myself joined this community 3 months ago because I needed advice regarding my betta with stubborn and severe fin rot. I got so many replies and advice and now thanks to it my betta is recovering really well. So I hope you will get a lot of replies and help from the lovely member of fishlore but because I'm still learning I am to afraid to tell you what to do in case I give you the wrong advice. What I can tell you is partial daily water changes with some conditioner and salt is never bad, and maybe get an almond leaf in the tank (that has worked wonders for my guy)

 

[Shafira01]

How often do you change the water? And how much if so? Do you add conditioner and salt?

I'm far from an expert, I myself joined this community 3 months ago because I needed advice regarding my betta with stubborn and severe fin rot. I got so many replies and advice and now thanks to it my betta is recovering really well. So I hope you will get a lot of replies and help from the lovely member of fishlore but because I'm still learning I am to afraid to tell you what to do in case I give you the wrong advice. What I can tell you is partial daily water changes with some conditioner and salt is never bad, and maybe get an almond leaf in the tank (that has worked wonders for my guy)

Thanks for your support and help. Truly appreciated. I have him only 2 weeks. In the hospital he is now I do 50% once a week and I always condition the water before adding. I don't put salt because I don't wanna take the risk and becides I heard it's a myth that the salt helps at all. Now for the leaf... I can't find a petshop that sells something more than just food, plastic decor, few medicine and some fishes. They are very basic.

 

[MaddyP]

Thanks for your support and help. Truly appreciated. I have him only 2 weeks. In the hospital he is now I do 50% once a week and I always condition the water before adding. I don't put salt because I don't wanna take the risk and becides I heard it's a myth that the salt helps at all. Now for the leaf... I can't find a petshop that sells something more than just food, plastic decor, few medicine and some fishes. They are very basic.

I also read it was a myth but most people adviced me to use it anyway and it has worked for me. You can find almond leaf online if your LFS don't have it. Amazon or ebay has it and it costs basically nothing.

 

[Shafira01]

I also read it was a myth but most people adviced me to use it anyway and it has worked for me. You can find almond leaf online if your LFS don't have it. Amazon or ebay has it and it costs basically nothing.

I don't know, I will see. But isn't it better find out what's wrong with the fish first before we do any action? What kind of disease this is and stuff?

 

[ItsLadyJadey]

I don't know, I will see. But isn't it better find out what's wrong with the fish first before we do any action? What kind of disease this is and stuff?

Sometimes it's really hard to diagnose a disease in fish and quick action is better than waiting, from my experience. You gotta start somewhere and if that doesn't work, try something else. (I'm no expert either but this is what I've learned in my few months here and after several issues with different diseases and problems in my tanks.)

 

[Shafira01]

Sometimes it's really hard to diagnose a disease in fish and quick action is better than waiting, from my experience. You gotta start somewhere and if that doesn't work, try something else. (I'm no expert either but this is what I've learned in my few months here and after several issues with different diseases and problems in my tanks.)

True true, I can't disagree. That's why I have the water at 28 Celsius to kill all possible bad bacteria and stuff and I use bactopur. But since I don't see any progress with that medicine I will try Fungus Stop for a week.

 

[MaddyP]

I don't know, I will see. But isn't it better find out what's wrong with the fish first before we do any action? What kind of disease this is and stuff?

I understad you completely because I did just that, I was to afraid of giving my betta treatment because I didn't know at first what was wrong with him but I ended up with pretty severe finrot and he lost most parts of his fins because of that and now I have been treating him for several months and I still have many months to go.

Like ItsLadyJadey said, Quick action is better than doing nothing!

 

[ItsLadyJadey]

I agree, treat with an anti-fungal and go from there. A bit of salt may be helpful. I wouldn't raise the salinity too high, definitely not to the directions on the package but maybe 1/4 of what they recommend on what you get. Even a little may help, just know it doesn't evaporate and can only be removed with water changes.
I also agree with the almond leaf as suggested above. I've never used it but I've heard heaps about how beneficial they are in an aquarium setting. You can definitely buy them on Amazon.

(I am currently going through some sort of bacterial/fungal disease in my guppy tank that has effectively killed off 75% of them and I had to trial and error too, going through anti-parasitic API General Cure, to Tetra Lifeguard which supposedly is a blanket medicine for several issues and then onto Methylene Blue which seems to have stopped it from spreading.)

I do hope you are able to cure your afflicted betta! I never have much luck with them, sadly. Sick fish are really heartbreaking!
(Also your English is great!)

 

[CaptAnnDuchow]

Nobody is a fish " expert" all fish react different to different treatments. For my bettas fin rot just the water changes daily and indian almond leaf was not enough. Fin rot it caused by a bactetia from my understanding and I ended up doing methylene blue dips to help my guy. I used a 3 gallon glass fish bowl I had mixed the meds as instructed on the bottle and dipped him 1 time a day for 10 seconds Then in a tupperware of clean condtioned water before putting back in his tank. I did this for 7 consecutive days and he now has clear growth showing. You will get varying degrees of advice. I would suggest the water changes daily of 25% first. It can take up to a month sometimes before you see regrowth. Mine kept getting worse which is when I decided to go aggressive with the methylene blue treatments. But be warned whatever container you use for methylene blue will be permanently stained blue.

 

[ItsLadyJadey]

Nobody is a fish " expert" all fish react different to different treatments. For my bettas fin rot just the water changes daily and indian almond leaf was not enough. Fin rot it caused by a bactetia from my understanding and I ended up doing methylene blue dips to help my guy. I used a 3 gallon glass fiah bowl I had mixed the meds as instructed on the bottle and dipped him 1 time a day for 10 seconds Then in a tupperware of clean condtioned water before putting back in his tank. I did this for 7 consecutive days and he now has clear growth showing. You will get varying degrees of advice. I woukd suggest the water changes daily of 25% first. It can take up to a month sometimes before you see regrowth. Mine kept gettimg worse which is when I decided to go aggressive with the methylene blue treatments. But be warned whatever container you use for methylene blue will be permanently stained blue.

The staining, oh God the staining. I had to treat my entire 29 gallon and everything except the substrate and plastic plants is blue now. (Other than the glass of course) Airline tubing, suction cup on my thermometer, the fake rock cave, some parts of the castle I had in there and probably bits of silicone too. Luckily I don't mind it but for some that would be a horrible thing.

 

[CaptAnnDuchow]

The staining, oh God the staining. I had to treat my entire 29 gallon and everything except the substrate and plastic plants is blue now. Airline tubing, suction cup on my thermometer, the fake rock cave, some parts of the castle I had in there. Luckily I don't mind it but for some that would be a horrible thing.

I think it is kinda pretty actually lol.

 

[Fanatic]

It appears to me like your betta had suffered minor damage to his tail and the signs of the white tips mean that it is regrowing.

I personally would suggest doing frequent water changes to promote faster healing, you can use aquarium salt or indian almond leaves during this time.

 

[CaptAnnDuchow]

It appears to me like your betta had suffered minor damage to his tail and the signs of the white tips mean that it is regrowing.

I personally would suggest doing frequent water changes to promote faster healing, you can use aquarium salt or indian almond leaves during this time.

I thought I saw dark edges at the bottom but may be just my eyes and the way the pic is taken.

 

[ItsLadyJadey]

I think it is kinda pretty actually lol.

I have to agree. The rock cave was originally white and I love the color blue so I feel it just looks that much better. It's a nice cyan color now haha.

 

[Shafira01]

I understad you completely because I did just that, I was to afraid of giving my betta treatment because I didn't know at first what was wrong with him but I ended up with pretty severe finrot and he lost most parts of his fins because of that and now I have been treating him for several months and I still have many months to go.

Like ItsLadyJadey said, Quick action is better than doing nothing!

I do try some medication. Bactopur and now I'm about try Fungus stop.

 

[Fanatic]

I thought I saw dark edges at the bottom but may be just my eyes and the way the pic is taken.

It's a small case of fin rot while most of the tail is healing, water changes and aquarium salt should fix this quickly, no need for medications.

 

[Shafira01]

It's a small case of fin rot while most of the tail is healing, water changes and aquarium salt should fix this quickly, no need for medications.

That's him few days ago. I don't know why all suddenly he grew this milky thing. It just happened out of nowhere in less than 2 days. This thing leaves and comes over and over again and I have no clue why. You sure it's just a healing thing?

 

[Shafira01]

I agree, treat with an anti-fungal and go from there. A bit of salt may be helpful. I wouldn't raise the salinity too high, definitely not to the directions on the package but maybe 1/4 of what they recommend on what you get. Even a little may help, just know it doesn't evaporate and can only be removed with water changes.
I also agree with the almond leaf as suggested above. I've never used it but I've heard heaps about how beneficial they are in an aquarium setting. You can definitely buy them on Amazon.

(I am currently going through some sort of bacterial/fungal disease in my guppy tank that has effectively killed off 75% of them and I had to trial and error too, going through anti-parasitic API General Cure, to Tetra Lifeguard which supposedly is a blanket medicine for several issues and then onto Methylene Blue which seems to have stopped it from spreading.)

I do hope you are able to cure your afflicted betta! I never have much luck with them, sadly. Sick fish are really heartbreaking!
(Also your English is great!)

Yeah I will the the fungus stop and we will see how things goes. Thanks for the help

(Btw thank you for your kind words)

 

[KeegansTropiks]

Wild Bettas are meant to have short fins, the more common pet Betta has been bred to have long fins which slows it down and adds some complications.

In your case it looks like a Veil tail Betta.


I’m not sure what is going on with your Betta but his body and eyes look healthy.

I agree to try with the fungal infection treatment as most white slimy substances are due to that.

Other than that it could just be that the tail has grew a bit more after an injury and has abnormal to no pigment yet (colour).

Some Bettas even slightly change colour but that is mostly koi Bettas. Not often seen in full colour Bettas.

If he is eating well and moving with ease he should be fine.

Hope this helps, good luck.

 

[Shafira01]

Wild Bettas are meant to have short fins, the more common pet Betta has been bred to have long fins which slows it down and adds some complications.

In your case it looks like a Veil tail Betta.


I’m not sure what is going on with your Betta but his body and eyes look healthy.

I agree to try with the fungal infection treatment as most white slimy substances are due to that.

Other than that it could just be that the tail has grew a bit more after an injury and has abnormal to no pigment yet (colour).

Some Bettas even slightly change colour but that is mostly koi Bettas. Not often seen in full colour Bettas.

If he is eating well and moving with ease he should be fine.

Hope this helps, good luck.

Yeah he's extremely active, always begging for food, all shiny bright colours. But this milky thing leaves and comes.... Is this even normal?

 

[Fanatic]

That's him few days ago. I don't know why all suddenly he grew this milky thing. It just happened out of nowhere in less than 2 days. This thing leaves and comes over and over again and I have no clue why. You sure it's just a healing thing? View attachment 537180

It could also be fin biting that is healing. When the fins heal, they grow back white or clear at first, and then regain their color, it's not a fungus.

My red betta, who looks exactly like yours, he bites his fins and has the exact same clear growth at the tips.
Here's a recent picture of him, notice the white area on the tips of the caudal fin, that's where it's regrowing.

 

[Shafira01]

It could also be fin biting that is healing. When the fins heal, they grow back white or clear at first, and then regain their color, it's not a fungus.

My red betta, who looks exactly like yours, he bites his fins and has the exact same clear growth at the tips.
Here's a recent picture of him, notice the white area on the tips of the caudal fin, that's where it's regrowing.
View attachment 537196
View attachment 537190

True true, you might be right. I will try the fungus treatment just in case for a week and hopefully it's nothing serious, but I notice everyday it spreads on his fins more and more... I'm sick worried I know maybe I overreact but eh I always worry for someone I love.

 

[ItsLadyJadey]

True true, you might be right. I will try the fungus treatment just in case for a week and hopefully it's nothing serious, but I notice everyday it spreads on his fins more and more... I'm sick worried I know maybe I overreact but eh I always worry for someone I love.

If it's spreading then I doubt it's healing happening. I could be wrong but it doesn't make sense to spread if that was the case.

 

[Shafira01]

If it's spreading then I doubt it's healing happening. I could be wrong but it doesn't make sense to spread if that was the case.

Now you see why I'm all nuts. Nothing makes sense

 

[MaddyP]

I do try some medication. Bactopur and now I'm about try Fungus stop.

I hope he heals up well, he's a beauty! How old is he?

 

[Shafira01]

I hope he heals up well, he's a beauty! How old is he?

Thank you very much for your help! I'm not sure how old he is, I have him only 2 weeks. But I guess looking from his side I think he's less than a year.

 

[MaddyP]

Thank you very much for your help! I'm not sure how old he is, I have him only 2 weeks. But I guess looking from his side I think he's less than a year.

No problem!

 

[Katie13]

Out of curiosity, where did you get him? I would guess that he had mild fin rot and is regrowing his fins. The fin regrowth starts out as clear or slightly opaque depending on color and then color slowly fills back in.

 

[trahana]

Is there any behavior change or is he eating and swimming normally? It could just be healing, or it could be color changing.
Has it progressed or damaged the tail, or is fuzzy or torn in any way?

 

[Shafira01]

Out of curiosity, where did you get him? I would guess that he had mild fin rot and is regrowing his fins. The fin regrowth starts out as clear or slightly opaque depending on color and then color slowly fills back in.

I got him from a petshop named Animal Planet. I give him fungI stop for a week.

 

[Shafira01]

Is there any behavior change or is he eating and swimming normally? It could just be healing, or it could be color changing.
Has it progressed or damaged the tail, or is fuzzy or torn in any way?

Well he's been extremely active, like hyper active always begging for food all happy and cheerful. He's more active than the day I first got him. And no he haven't damaged his tail since I got him which is.... Like 2 weeks now

 

[trahana]

Sounds like a healthy betta, the color is probably just color changing, not a disease. Just keep his water clean and he should stay healthy