White tip on betta fish fin

I have a quick question. I have noticed an obvious white tip appearing on my Betta’s fin (see picture). His other fins are slightly lighter at the tips but no where near as white as the one that is standing out. Is this something to be worried about? Is it the onset of fin rot or is it just normal fin growth? He is swimming around eating as normal. Tank is a 20 litre with 0 ammonia and 0 nitrite. PH of 6/7 with regular 50% water changes twice per week.
Any help would be much appreciated

 

What are your nitrates? And, if you don't mind, could you potentially point out where exactly the white tip is?

 

What are your nitrates? And, if you don't mind, could you potentially point out where exactly the white tip is?

Hi there,
Nitrates are between 0-5ppm. It’s only a small tank and with two water changes per week, they are usually closer to 0. I’ve added a photo with the white tip circled.

 

Hi there,
Nitrates are between 0-5ppm. It’s only a small tank and with two water changes per week, they are usually closer to 0. I’ve added a photo with the white tip circled.

I wouldn't worry about it too much. It's at the most a little bit of fin rot. Looks a bit more like coloration/new growth though. Your water levels are all fine as well so yeah, doesn't seem like fin rot to me.

 

I wouldn't worry about it too much. It's at the most a little bit of fin rot. Looks a bit more like coloration/new growth though. Your water levels are all fine as well so yeah, doesn't seem like fin rot to me.

That’s great thanks for your help. I’ll be keeping an eye on it so hopefully it’ll be ok.

 

I actually think it looks like a fungal infection since it appears a bit fuzzy around the edges.

 

I actually think it looks like a fungal infection since it appears a bit fuzzy around the edges.

Now that I look more closely at it and I think you're right. I just assumed the fuzzy look had to do with the lighting and such.

 

I actually think it looks like a fungal infection since it appears a bit fuzzy around the edges.

Hi there,
I think you are right. I have been monitoring him and over the past day he has become extremely lethargic and inactive. His head is turning a grey colour and he just doesn’t look well. I’ve done a 50% water change and added 1tbsp of dissolved aquarium salt. I plan on doing 50% water changes for the next 4 days and adding more salt each time. Do you have any other suggestions? I used melafix previously but I have a feeling it killed my previous betta. After doing a bit of research, apparently it covers their labrynth organ and effectively suffocates them. Any further ideas would be much appreciated.

 

Hi there,
I think you are right. I have been monitoring him and over the past day he has become extremely lethargic and inactive. His head is turning a grey colour and he just doesn’t look well. I’ve done a 50% water change and added 1tbsp of dissolved aquarium salt. I plan on doing 50% water changes for the next 4 days and adding more salt each time. Do you have any other suggestions? I used melafix previously but I have a feeling it killed my previous betta. After doing a bit of research, apparently it covers their labrynth organ and effectively suffocates them. Any further ideas would be much appreciated.

I've only used salt to treat fungal infections from injury, but I think it's a good course of action. I would increase 50% WCs to every 2 days, adding 1/2 a tbsp salt to keep your current concentration. This will also help keep the water pristine. If the white spot doesn't visibly shrink/improve within a week then I would increase concentration to no more than 2 tbsp for the whole tank. Treatment should not exceed 2 weeks.

From my experience salt is pretty effective with fungal infections and generally clears it up rather quickly. My only concern would be your plants, since it looks like you have live ones. The only plant that has survived salt treatments were my anubias. If possible I would do the salt treatment in a QT tank if you have one.

 

I've only used salt to treat fungal infections from injury, but I think it's a good course of action. I would increase 50% WCs to every 2 days, adding 1/2 a tbsp salt to keep your current concentration. This will also help keep the water pristine. If the white spot doesn't visibly shrink/improve within a week then I would increase concentration to no more than 2 tbsp for the whole tank. Treatment should not exceed 2 weeks.

From my experience salt is pretty effective with fungal infections and generally clears it up rather quickly. My only concern would be your plants, since it looks like you have live ones. The only plant that has survived salt treatments were my anubias. If possible I would do the salt treatment in a QT tank if you have one.

Thanks for your advice. Would you recommend taking out the betta for a salt dip. I was thinking 1tbsp salt dissolved in 500ml of water for 20 seconds and repeating for three days? I have seen a YouTube video with this method and it has seemed to have had good results.
The plants seem to be doing ok so far, but I will bear that in mind thanks.

 

Thanks for your advice. Would you recommend taking out the betta for a salt dip. I was thinking 1tbsp salt dissolved in 500ml of water for 20 seconds and repeating for three days? I have seen a YouTube video with this method and it has seemed to have had good results.
The plants seem to be doing ok so far, but I will bear that in mind thanks.

I wouldn't just because of how stressful it is and the fungus isn't progressed to the point of needed that aggressive of treatment imo.

 

I wouldn't just because of how stressful it is and the fungus isn't progressed to the point of needed that aggressive of treatment imo.

Yeah good point. He is definitely more active today, still not his usual self but he is eating food with no issue. You can see more cotton like substances on his fins now so it’s definitely a fungal infection. I’ll leave it today then do a 50% water change tomorrow with 1/2 Tbsp salt as you suggested. Will using plant ferts help to save the plants given the higher salinity of the water or will these have no effect? I don’t have a heated quarantine tank that I can use.

 

Yeah good point. He is definitely more active today, still not his usual self but he is eating food with no issue. You can see more cotton like substances on his fins now so it’s definitely a fungal infection. I’ll leave it today then do a 50% water change tomorrow with 1/2 Tbsp salt as you suggested. Will using plant ferts help to save the plants given the higher salinity of the water or will these have no effect? I don’t have a heated quarantine tank that I can use.

Plant ferts won't have any effect, but keeping salinity low at your current concentration should give them the best chance to survive the treatment. What kind of plants do you have?

 

Plant ferts won't have any effect, but keeping salinity low at your current concentration should give them the best chance to survive the treatment. What kind of plants do you have?

That’s fine, hopefully they are ok. They haven’t seemed to have had an issue with the salt before so they must be fairly resilient to it. I actually can’t remember what kind they are, I got them a while back now.

 

That’s fine, hopefully they are ok. They haven’t seemed to have had an issue with the salt before so they must be fairly resilient to it. I actually can’t remember what kind they are, I got them a while back now.

No worries, I just ask because they look kind of like some kind of species of anubias which tends to be pretty hardy. They'll probably be fine then.

 

No worries, I just ask because they look kind of like some kind of species of anubias which tends to be pretty hardy. They'll probably be fine then.

Hi there just a update, I’m not seeing the white spot anymore but there has been little to no improvement in his situation. He is very lethargic, doesn’t move from his plant all day, his fins are clamped and he just looks very sad. I’ve kept up the 1/2 tbsp salt with 50% water changes every other day. He does eat food but not as excitedly as he has before. I’m thinking I may just take him out and give him a salt bath? There are no visible signs of illness, the only behavioural change is he has started darting around the tank, which is very out of character. I haven’t dosed the tank with any meds as I am trying to avoid that if I can help it. Any other ideas of how I can help him?

 

No worries, I just ask because they look kind of like some kind of species of anubias which tends to be pretty hardy. They'll probably be fine then.

Still no improvement at all. In fact it’s getting worse really. He is lying at the bottom of the tank breathing heavily and doesn’t even come up to the surface any more. He occasionally will dart frantically round the tank but anytime I go near it he will hide. Very confused as nothing has changed. His behaviour just seems to have come out of nowhere. All other fish in the tank are absolutely fine.

 

Maybe you should try the salt bath and see if it helps...

 

Maybe you should try the salt bath and see if it helps...

I’ll give it a go. The issue I’m having is he has gotten that scared of me that he hides and frantically darts around the tank whenever I go near, so catching him isn’t easy. He certainly isn’t improving though.

 

Does he seem itchy? Rubbing himself on substrate or ornaments? Who are his tank mates? Did you add any new ones in the month before this started? Have you ever treated the tank for parasites?

 

Does he seem itchy? Rubbing himself on substrate or ornaments? Who are his tank mates? Did you add any new ones in the month before this started? Have you ever treated the tank for parasites?

Not really, he just lies in a plant or in a barrel decoration all day. Doesn’t really move but breathes heavily. My other fish (harlequin Rasbora) have all been fine. Nothing has changed in the tank and no other tank mates have been added, it’s definitely a strange one. Not treated the tank for parasites. Have just been dosing with aquarium salt. I would have thought if it was parasites then I would have seen some form of issue in the other fish by now?

 

I had a fungal infection wipe out my whole betta sorority... The ember tetras were completely fine. It can be weird like that sometimes. If it hasn't gotten better, quarantining and treating him might be the best option.

 

Yeah probably. It’s most likely the infection has spread. Do you have Seachem Kanaplex or Paraguard or Methylene Blue? Or Betta Revive? Any of those will treat fungal and bacterial infections.

 

Yeah probably. It’s most likely the infection has spread. Do you have Seachem Kanaplex or Paraguard or Methylene Blue? Or Betta Revive? Any of those will treat fungal and bacterial infections.

I don’t have any of those but I will purchase them right away. I currently don’t have a quarantine tank set up. Would you suggest treating the whole tank with these meds? would these be safe for harlequin rasbora, shrimp and Nerite snails?

Yeah probably. It’s most likely the infection has spread. Do you have Seachem Kanaplex or Paraguard or Methylene Blue? Or Betta Revive? Any of those will treat fungal and bacterial infections.

I’ve ordered some anti bacterial meds by interpret which is safe for bettas, shrimp and snails so will give that a go.

 

I don’t have any of those but I will purchase them right away. I currently don’t have a quarantine tank set up. Would you suggest treating the whole tank with these meds? would these be safe for harlequin rasbora, shrimp and Nerite snails?

I’ve ordered some anti bacterial meds by interpret which is safe for bettas, shrimp and snails so will give that a go.

Which Interpet medicine did you order? Are you in the UK? It’s harder to find some of these meds there.

For future reference on the meds I mentioned.You don’t need them all as there is cross over in the last three I mentioned. Betta Revive is probably my first choice as it has both malachite green and methylene blue in it and treats both parasitic and bacterial and fungal infections. The methylene blue in it will help ease his breathing also.

Fuzzy spots are usually bacterial not true fungal. Methylene blue is just that and Seachem Paraguard has malachite green along with other non-disclosed ingredients. Anything with Methylene blue in it is not good for you cycle and I wouldn’t treat the whole tank since they’re not exhibiting any symptoms.

Yeah those 3 should be done in a small heated hospital tank with daily 100% (or at least almost to the bottom, just covering the betta) water changes and re-dosing of the meds. The small hospital tanks can be floated in your main tank and then you don’t need a heater.

Kanaplex is a very strong but very good antibiotic and does not harm the cycle in your tank but not my first choice here. I think it and also paraguard are invert safe but I’d have to double check.

 

Which Interpet medicine did you order? Are you in the UK? It’s harder to find some of these meds there.

For future reference on the meds I mentioned.You don’t need them all as there is cross over in the last three I mentioned. Betta Revive is probably my first choice as it has both malachite green and methylene blue in it and treats both parasitic and bacterial and fungal infections. The methylene blue in it will help ease his breathing also.

Fuzzy spots are usually bacterial not true fungal. Methylene blue is just that and Seachem Paraguard has malachite green along with other non-disclosed ingredients. Anything with Methylene blue in it is not good for you cycle and I wouldn’t treat the whole tank since they’re not exhibiting any symptoms.

Yeah those 3 should be done in a small heated hospital tank with daily 100% (or at least almost to the bottom, just covering the betta) water changes and re-dosing of the meds. The small hospital tanks can be floated in your main tank and then you don’t need a heater.

Kanaplex is a very strong but very good antibiotic and does not harm the cycle in your tank but not my first choice here. I think it and also paraguard are invert safe but I’d have to double check.

Which Interpet medicine did you order? Are you in the UK? It’s harder to find some of these meds there.

For future reference on the meds I mentioned.You don’t need them all as there is cross over in the last three I mentioned. Betta Revive is probably my first choice as it has both malachite green and methylene blue in it and treats both parasitic and bacterial and fungal infections. The methylene blue in it will help ease his breathing also.

Fuzzy spots are usually bacterial not true fungal. Methylene blue is just that and Seachem Paraguard has malachite green along with other non-disclosed ingredients. Anything with Methylene blue in it is not good for you cycle and I wouldn’t treat the whole tank since they’re not exhibiting any symptoms.

Yeah those 3 should be done in a small heated hospital tank with daily 100% (or at least almost to the bottom, just covering the betta) water changes and re-dosing of the meds. The small hospital tanks can be floated in your main tank and then you don’t need a heater.

Kanaplex is a very strong but very good antibiotic and does not harm the cycle in your tank but not my first choice here. I think it and also paraguard are invert safe but I’d have to double check.

Yeah I wasn’t going to order all three, although the way I worded it sounds like I had haha. I’m in the UK and yes it’s definitely a lot more difficult to find the meds here. I had a look at all of your suggestions and some are not going to be available until the end of this month which is an issue as my betta is in a pretty bad way. The betta fix did seem like the best suggestion, but it did mention that if the fish was experiencing any severe symptoms like heavy breathing/not eating then to go straight for the stronger meds.

The best I could find and have ordered is this Interpet Anti Bacteria Aquarium Fish Treatment, 100 ml https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01FH2K2GM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_VA0DAGQ9JRS9H5XCGW
I have also read that garlic can be used to treat internal parasites so may give that a go too.
Thanks again for your help

 

Which Interpet medicine did you order? Are you in the UK? It’s harder to find some of these meds there.

For future reference on the meds I mentioned.You don’t need them all as there is cross over in the last three I mentioned. Betta Revive is probably my first choice as it has both malachite green and methylene blue in it and treats both parasitic and bacterial and fungal infections. The methylene blue in it will help ease his breathing also.

Fuzzy spots are usually bacterial not true fungal. Methylene blue is just that and Seachem Paraguard has malachite green along with other non-disclosed ingredients. Anything with Methylene blue in it is not good for you cycle and I wouldn’t treat the whole tank since they’re not exhibiting any symptoms.

Yeah those 3 should be done in a small heated hospital tank with daily 100% (or at least almost to the bottom, just covering the betta) water changes and re-dosing of the meds. The small hospital tanks can be floated in your main tank and then you don’t need a heater.

Kanaplex is a very strong but very good antibiotic and does not harm the cycle in your tank but not my first choice here. I think it and also paraguard are invert safe but I’d have to double check.

Day 5 of treatment and he doesn’t seem to be getting any better, but also doesn’t seem to be getting any worse. He did eat a small amount a few days ago, I took advantage of when he was near the surface to get some food in him.

I took a photo of him today and he has clamped fins and is just resting and hiding all day. His colour seems to have faded. The only real change I have noticed is a hole in his head, could this be hole in head disease which I know is pretty rare for bettas?

 

I took a photo of him today and he has clamped fins and is just resting and hiding all day. His colour seems to have faded. The only real change I have noticed is a hole in his head, could this be hole in head disease which I know is pretty rare for bettas?

I’m sorry he has not improved. Are the white cottony spots gone? It’s possible he has more than one thing going on. When they get sick their immune systems can’t hold in check other diseases they normally would fight off.

Are you referring to the lesion and hole on the left side of his head? Maybe? If so, it is hard to treat and usually successful if caught early on. If it is parasitic then this medicine won’t really help him. You would need something with metronidazole in it like Seachem Metroplex.

 

I’m sorry he has not improved. Are the white cottony spots gone? It’s possible he has more than one thing going on. When they get sick their immune systems can’t hold in check other diseases they normally would fight off.

Are you referring to the lesion and hole on the left side of his head? Maybe? If so, it is hard to treat and usually successful if caught early on. If it is parasitic then this medicine won’t really help him. You would need something with metronidazole in it like Seachem Metroplex.

The white cottony growth appeared only for a day or so on his fin. Then changed to a different fin and then disappeared completely. It wasn’t until a few days after I noticed it that he started becoming extremely lethargic and then it just worsened.

Yes the hole on the left side of his head is what I was meaning. It looks dark in colour so could be scale loss. I’m trying desperately to not let this fish go the same way as my previous betta (I treated with melafix before reading it was bad for betta fish and it killed him). Unfortunately the Seachem medication isn’t available over here, but I have found this, would this be ok? The only issue is I don’t know whether it will be safe for my shrimps and snails so have asked the question.

Esha Hexamita Esha Hexamita : Amazon.co.uk

 

I can’t tell what the ingredients are in it since it’s in another language. Hopefully you’ll get an answer soon.

 

I can’t tell what the ingredients are in it since it’s in another language. Hopefully you’ll get an answer soon.

It says it’s not safe for snails on the packet. A lot of people are saying they have tried it and always go back to using the metroplex. It’s a lottery as to whether my snails will be able to withstand the metroplex but I need to treat the whole tank anyway so have just ordered the metroplex. It’s not estimated to get to me until the 11th February so it will be a miracle if the betta can hold on for that long…is there anything I can do in the meantime while I wait for the meds to arrive, or at this point would you recommend euthanising the fish?

 

If he is eating and not lying on his side laboring for breath I wouldn't euthanize him. Do you have clove oil for if/when you need to do that? It's a super kind and fast way to euthanize.

 

If he is eating and not lying on his side laboring for breath I wouldn't euthanize him. Do you have clove oil for if/when you need to do that? It's a super kind and fast way to euthanize.

He’s barely eating because he just stays at the bottom of the tank. He alternates between low spots now but his swimming is very fast and jerky and he won’t come out into the open water, only behind objects or plants. I don’t have clove oil yet but I was planning on getting some if there was no way of curing him.

 

The erratic swimming still makes me think of parasites. Your other fish so no signs of erratic swimming? flashing? or rubbing on objects? Just him? It seems like he's had multiple issues going on with first the fungus and now that sore on the left side of his head.
Just FYI for future reference, anytime I introduce new fish, I use an anti-parasitic such as Prazi Pro to treat for skin and gill flukes, flatworms, tape worm etc. It starts out the new group (and existing fish) from a parasite free beginning together.

 

The erratic swimming still makes me think of parasites. Your other fish so no signs of erratic swimming? flashing? or rubbing on objects? Just him? It seems like he's had multiple issues going on with first the fungus and now that sore on the left side of his head.
Just FYI for future reference, anytime I introduce new fish, I use an anti-parasitic such as Prazi Pro to treat for skin and gill flukes, flatworms, tape worm etc. It starts out the new group (and existing fish) from a parasite free beginning together.

Yeah I don’t disagree. Do you think it’s worth redosing with more of the anti internal bacteria meds or just going back to 50% water changes every other day until the metroplex arrives?
Other fish are still fine, I’m keeping a close eye on them and their behaviour hasn’t changed. This is the second betta I have got from the store I got him from and a very similar issue, so I’m wondering if it’s something he has had for a while which has just been manifesting. I’ll definitely be getting some prazi pro going forward.

 

Yeah I don’t disagree. Do you think it’s worth redosing with more of the anti internal bacteria meds or just going back to 50% water changes every other day until the metroplex arrives?

I think it called for two doses right? I’d do a 50% water change and dose again while you’re waiting. Keep some salt in there still as it helps with breathing. Is there anywhere near the top he can rest to get to the air more easily like plants? A betta log or anything else?
Betta’s live 3-5 years but when we get them at the store they are adults. My last betta lived 2 1/2 years or so with me but they are notoriously over bred for long fins etc and like goldfish have a lot of pre-disposition to illness. I’d love to find a local breeder for my next one or for the sorority I’m setting up.

 

Yes I’ve administered 2 doses. The treatment finishes tomorrow so yeah will water change and redose and add some salt. There are plenty of places high up for him, I have also lowered the water level to make it easier for him. At the start of his illness there was a plant that he stayed in all day right at the surface, but now he just stays down low and rests on the gravel. Yeah I think I am going to try and different store for my next one and see if that helps. I’m doing everything that I can to help him but I just don’t know if I’ll get the meds in time sadly.
Thanks again for all your help and advice with this, it’s much appreciated and I’ve definitely took away lots of learning points for future reference.

 

You’re welcome. Hope he makes it.
I wouldn’t dose a 3rd time if you’ve already administered the 2 doses. It doesn’t seem to be helping him anyways.

 

You’re welcome. Hope he makes it.
I wouldn’t dose a 3rd time if you’ve already administered the 2 doses. It doesn’t seem to be helping him anyways.

That’s fine I’ll just do regular water changes and add salt. Let’s just hope he can hang on.

 

You’re welcome. Hope he makes it.
I wouldn’t dose a 3rd time if you’ve already administered the 2 doses. It doesn’t seem to be helping him anyways.

Hi there, the metroplex arrived today and I have administered the first dose. I have dosed the tank with 1/5 dose of melafix over the past week just to see if that would help. It hasn’t helped but it hasn’t made it worse either. The betta fish is still eating on the occasion but mainly hiding and resting as before stated. Let’s hope the metroplex does the trick!

 

Happy to hear he’s still alive, I was wondering about him. Hope it works!

 

Happy to hear he’s still alive, I was wondering about him. Hope it works!

Just thought I’d give an update on this. The metroplex seems to have done the trick. I also made a diy filter baffle as I think the water current was quite strong for him when he was sick. It didn’t seem to affect him before but since I have used the baffle he has come out of hiding. He is now back to swimming round all day, his colour has returned and the sores have disappeared. He’s eating normally and loving life again! Thanks again for all your help and advice

 

Awesome! Great to see him doing better

 

Just thought I’d give an update on this. The metroplex seems to have done the trick. I also made a diy filter baffle as I think the water current was quite strong for him when he was sick. It didn’t seem to affect him before but since I have used the baffle he has come out of hiding. He is now back to swimming round all day, his colour has returned and the sores have disappeared. He’s eating normally and loving life again! Thanks again for all your help and advice

Wow, such great news!