Sick Betta W/ Discoloration & Bump

This is Joffrey. I adopted him several weeks ago after I seen his condition. (Lethargic, heavy breathing, red gills.) He is in a cycled (Just tested the water and did my weekly water change. 0 nitrites, 0 ammonia, and 20 nitrates is my parameters) He is in a 10 gallon tank heated at 78 degrees. I have noticed a bump on his side. You can see it in the picture. Am I doing something wrong? Or is it normal? There's also discoloration around his cute little face and his gills just look red and awful. Also, when he does flare, only one side of his beard flares up. I'm just so worried about him, and I want to better provide and take care of him if I am doing something wrong.

 

Hmm, that’s strange. Is the bump only on one side? When did you first notice it? Has it grown? It’s possible that it might be a tumor but it could also be many other things like a cyst. Does it look like it’s full of fluid or is it solid? Best thing you can do for him for now is daily water changes for a week and hope it isn’t a cyst.

 

Hmm, that’s strange. Is the bump only on one side? When did you first notice it? Has it grown? It’s possible that it might be a tumor but it could also be many other things like a cyst. Does it look like it’s full of fluid or is it solid? Best thing you can do for him for now is daily water changes for a week and hope it isn’t a cyst.

Yes, the bump is only on that one side. I think it looks solid, but I'm not so sure. He's had it ever since I have gotten him, and I often do biweekly water changes to keep parameters pristine for him.

 

Where is the bump on his body? Is it the same on the other side of the fish? Can you try getting a top view picture of the lump? His body and fin condition looks fine to me. Red gills would only be a problem if the fish is breathing funny, some bettas just seem to have red gills but that's how they are supposed to look. As for only half his gill flaring, that may be the result of an injury, genetic defect, or any number of reasons really.

If he's eating well, behaving normal, and the water conditions are good then I wouldn't worry too much. Sounds to me he's doing well.

 

Yes, the bump is only on that one side. I think it looks solid, but I'm not so sure. He's had it ever since I have gotten him, and I often do biweekly water changes to keep parameters pristine for him.

All we can do is just wait and watch.
Doing biweekly is kinda bad IMO. weekly water changes is the minimum you should do, more is better of course.

 

OP could mean twice a week or every two weeks, haha. Let's hope it's the former!

 

OP could mean twice a week or every two weeks, haha. Let's hope it's the former!

Right! I didn’t think of that ! My apologies.

 

Right! I didn’t think of that ! My apologies.

Oh, I'm sorry! I meant twice weekly.