Betta's frayed fins... from? 7/12/05
Hi again,
<Hello>
I changed my Betta's [Haru] water today, and after I put him back in, I noticed that his dorsal looked sort of frayed.  Does fin rot usually start there?
<At the tips of fins usually, yes... but, what is the cause?>
Or could it just look like that because, his tail fin and dorsal have always been pretty transparent [he's a white Betta] Or, could I have accidentally torn it during transfer with the net?
<Too likely the latter (I would use my hand, not a net), or just the change, new water>
I'm not sure.
I have always put aquarium salt and AquaSafe in his week-old water, and change it religiously every Monday.  Or, maybe I'm just freaking out for no reason...
<Best to be patient here>
Anyway, a little help would be nice, even if it's just to say "you're paranoid."
Concerned,
Crystal Howlett
<I would not panic... often fish treatments/cures... are worse than actual diseases. Bob Fenner>

Re: Bubble on Bettas Belly 7/12/05
Hi Bob,
<Hello there>
Epsom Salt has had no affect on Betta.  I even tried a stronger dip.  Nada.  
Now he's starting to look VERY stressed, not eating, etc..  Poor little guy.  I have him back in his bowl, when I went to change his water today there was a moldy smell.... Maybe old food he didn't eat that I missed getting out?
<Possibly>
I'm sterilizing the tank again and replacing the rocks, plant (plastic) etc.   Do you have any other suggestions?  I'm still putting a little Epsom Salt in the bowl just in case, along with antibiotics.  
Thanks,
Kathy and Ruth Tucker
<Am tempted to suggest another course of treatment altogether... Metronidazole/Flagyl... a protozoacide. Please use the Google search tool on WWM re. Bob Fenner>

Betta health 7/12/05
hi, i looked all over the site, and i did find tons of great info, thank you very much.  I'm just still confused about what is wrong with Shaolin (one of my little ones).  He is new.  He is in a new tank.  All of a sudden, he has holes in his top fin!!  Does this hurt him?  I feel so bad for him.  I don't see any bacteria, but I do not know what it would look like.
What can i do for him?  What causes this?  He eats fine.  I do not see him rubbing against the tank or gravel.  His tank is filtered.  He has one plastic tree in there.  Is he depressed maybe?  He seems to like to stare out of one corner of the tank at nothing!!  I used to have a LOTR doll there, maybe he liked it and misses it.  Anyway, I thank you for your time & any help you can give me.
Jenn
<... please read here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/FWSubWebIndex/fwlivestkindex.htm
scroll down... re Betta Systems, Disease, Behavior... Bob Fenner>

Re: Betta health 7/12/05
Bob Fenner,
<Jen>
Thank you very much for your help.  Your site is wonderful and I am passing it on to other fish lovers, like myself, who do not know much.  I think you saved my Shaolin.  I am off to do what is needed to help him, and buy different types of food for him!
Thanks again!!!
Jennifer Wright
<Outstanding. Life to you my friend. Bob Fenner>

Betta strep? 7/10/05
Hi all,
<Hey, Mike G here today>
This is a phenomenal site with lots o' info and further places to go seek info!  I promise that I have checked this site and tons of others to read about my question; so please forgive my blindness if I missed an answer you've already given.
Can/do Bettas choke or get sore throats?  
<This is a hard one to answer. I am sure that any creature could choke if given ample opportunity, though I have never heard of a Betta experiencing such a problem. I doubt that is to be a valid concern. As to sore throats, I am sure that some bacteria might opportunistically invade a fish's throat, built, to the best of my knowledge, no specific bacteria will do such a thing, nor has throat infection been reported in Bettas.>
How much aquarium salt is too much aquarium salt?  (Does it increase production of ammonia or nitrite?)
<No increase in production of any nitrogenous compounds. Ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate are all resultant of metabolic processes of aquatic life forms, not of salinity. How much is too much? I suppose when your fish resemble dill pickles, you should cut down on the salt. :-) Just follow the instructions on the package, and remember that salt does not evaporate, so don't include it in your top off water.>
I've had BubbleMeister for under a month.  He's active, eats his micro pellets (HBH Betta Bites) and dessert (Betta Treat-looks like freeze-dried bloodworms).  If he spits out his pellet, I try one more (I feed him a pellet at a time), if no go - no dessert.
<Sounds like you have him on a very nice feeding regimen. And, by the way, I love the name. :-) >
He's in a gallon tank with a Smallworld pump and filter, 2 small silk plants, and about 1 tsp. aquarium salt.
<Again, sounds good for the typical Betta setup. If you wanted to go above and beyond the norm, you could get him a larger tank (5+ gallons), and purchase a small heater for him. Bettas are, by nature, tropical fish, and do better in warmer water setups. (77+ degrees Fahrenheit)>
Close to a week ago, while feeding him dessert, I noticed that I hadn't broken up one of the bloodworm looking threads(?) very well.  He was going at it, and chomping on it... seemed to be getting into the 'I'm gonna' get
you, you food you' excitement.  Then he sucked it all down in one gulp.  
This is when the behavior started that I've been noticing during feeding now.
I can't tell if it's excitement or fright.  He starts swimming rapidly, flaring, in tiny circles, or little spurts, at the top of the water, at an angle such that he looks as if he's swimming almost on his side, rapidly circling, while keeping an eye on the top of the water.  He does this for a few heart stopping seconds then, slowly chills down, flaring still occasionally at nothing in particular, with his stress stripe showing.  Goes and either drinks some water, or takes a breath... makes a bubble or two.   Then he'll eat another pellet with no problem, or spit it out, .. or if it's dessert, he'll eat it... with no problems.  It happened initially -just once- and only with his dessert.  Then a couple of days later it happened with his micro-pellet.  So I did a partial water change, and fasted him for three days.  It kept happening.  So 3 days later, I did a full water change (and got and treated different gravel - because the only thing I could think of was possible poisoning), and fasted him for two days.  It's still happening something like every other time I feed him.  It totally freaks me out 'cause I can't tell if he's in physical distress, or if it's some sort of manifestation of "this is my food, stay away you real and imaginary enemies... mine, mine, mine... this dead pellet ain't getting away" kind of thing.
<Well, if he is eating and is otherwise alright (only shows this behavior during feeding), I would say you have nothing to worry about. If he stops eating or the behavior becomes more frequent, you might have a problem.>
When I look at all the disease/infection info, nothing seems to fit.  
<That's because this does not sound like an infection, just a strange behavior quirk.>
His fins are tearing a bit..
<That could certainly be a sign of a problem, perhaps unrelated.>
I've been watching them, and plan to do water changes and aquarium salt, watching the fins, before I go to fin rot meds...
<I would do a large water change for him and purchase some MelaFix, a very effective antibiotic. Change his water as often as is feasible, and dose according to the package. If he is, indeed, experiencing Finrot, this will take care of it.>
but the choking/sore throat/scary freaky behavior when eating is worrisome.
Any ideas?  Thanks for keeping this site going!
<I don't think you should worry about the odd behavior, only about the ragged fins, though Finrot is easily treated. Best of luck! Mike G>
--BettaMeister mom.

Re: Betta Strep 7/11/05
Wow!  Thanks for the superlatively quick response, Mike G.!  
<You're very welcome.>
I feel better that BubbleMeister may simply be exhibiting behavioral stuff.  I'll keep my eyes peeled and follow your suggestions.  Re. the larger tank and heater.  
Yup, it's in my plans.  
<Good to hear.>
Meanwhile I live in un-air-conditioned life, and will probably have to figure out how to keep him cooler than 85... until winter hits again!  
<Ah, such is one of the largest obstacles of maintaining tanks without heaters/air conditioners/chillers/temperature control devices. Room temperature swings with the outside weather, and the tank temperature swings with it.>
Thanks!!  :-)
<Glad I could assist. Mike G>

Bubble on Bettas Belly 7/5/05
Hi,  
<Hello>
We've had our Betta 'Beta' (my daughter picked the name) for about 9 months now.  About three weeks ago, he developed a bubble on his belly, it's transparent, and just under 3/4" width and length.  Pretty big.
<Yikes, I'll say>
It looks like it's ready to burst, but it's looked like that with no change for all 3 weeks.  He's eating like a pig, swimming normally, scales aren't sticking out, fins are good.  Just that bubble.
<Mmm, interesting... perhaps some sort of fluid retention...>
So far, I've tried antibiotics, changing the food, extra water changes, sterilizing the tank (he DID not like going back to his old bowl) not feeding for a few days, shelled cooked peas (no help but he loved that treatment) heating the water (the one thing I found I was not doing right --It's in the low 80's now) and so many books and websites I've lost track.  No change.  
As soon as I can get a working camera, I will be taking pictures....no one I've talked to in the last three weeks believes me when I say it looks nothing like dropsy or can figure out what's going on.  Hopefully I can get the little stinker to hold still.     
Thanks for any advice in advance, my daughter and I really appreciate it.  
I'm sure Betta does too.  
Kathryn and Ruth Tucker
<I'd try the old timey, but useful addition of a level teaspoon of Epsom Salt per five gallons of system water here. Hopefully the change in external osmotic pressure, relief of internal pressure in the Betta's body will lead to reduced swelling. Bob Fenner>

Betta, suspected fin rot 28 Jun 2005
Hi
I'm new to Betta owning. Bought the fish June 17.  He's in a 3.5 gal tank, undergravel filter with airstone in tube.  Water seems constant at 76 degrees.
<Mmm, need an actual heater... to hold the temperature steady, tropical...>
PH is high at 8 to 8.2 but it is the same as the water he was brought home in.  Water tested on Friday as soon as condition was noted and Ammonia is 0, nitrite is 0.  The tank has been running for about a month prior to fish purchase - treated weekly with Cycle.
<Good>
He seemed fine until Thurs and on Friday he had lost part of his tail fin.  Does fin rot happen this fast?
<Can>
Other fins don't seem to be severely affected at this point but they have lost some tissue as well and appear ragged.  Doesn't appear to be any raw looking edges but he is sure not a happy camper right now.  I moved him to a smaller bowl on Sunday and have been treating with Melafix but no obvious improvement yet.
<This stuff... leaf extract... rarely does any good>
Spends his time with fins clamped tightly and staying at the top or bottom of the bowl with occasional outbursts of fast swimming.  
Still eating OK.  Feeding pellets during day and mixture of freeze dried brine shrimp, daphnia and bloodworms at night - likes everything except the bloodworms right now.
<Okay>
Other than being a new fish in a new tank the only thing I can think of is I forgot to close the window one night and the tank may have gotten cold and stressed him out.  I'm more careful now.
Any suggestions are appreciated.
Worried owner
<The temperature fluctuation does have a causal role. Please read here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/FWSubWebIndex/bettasysart.htm
Get a heater and set it for the low 80's F... and possibly use BettaMax or other mixed broad-spectrum gram-negative antibiotic prep. to speed healing. Bob Fenner>

Re: suspected fin rot 30 Jun 2005
Thanks for the reply, unfortunately by yesterday afternoon there were long wispy tendrils growing off his fins and he expired last night.  
Tough to watch him go.  Do I need to strip down the tank and clean everything and start over before trying again?
<I would>
It has developed a funky smell from the Melafix treatment, or will just leaving it run with gradual change out of water be better?  Thanks
Sad owner
<I'd clean all out and ditch the Tea. Bob Fenner>

Betta Tail problem 6/29/05
Hi. I can't seem to find any info on the internet about this, so you are my last resource. I have a Betta, at the office. Every Friday I change his water -- no issues. This Friday, did everything the same, and I come in today - Monday - and I notice his tail looks like it's "shredded." It just looks like those curly ribbons on a gift! I have no idea why or how that happened! What is it? Did I stress him out?
<Mmm, maybe... do know that tapwater is not a consistent product... might well be that whatever was "in the water" Friday was not to his liking>
There are no spots, growths, discolorations, or anything out of the ordinary, other than his tail is in strips! Have you ever seen or heard of such a thing?
<Yes... many times>
He's eating fine (I feed him the Betta Gold pellets), and is as active as he normally is. Is there anything I need to do? Check?
<Mmm, a few things. One, expand his diet to include meaty foods. Two, having a "real" aquarium with a heater, filter... Please see here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/FWSubWebIndex/betta_splendens.htm
and the linked files above...>
Thanks for your input.
-Melissa
<Thank you for expressing your concern. Bob Fenner>

My Betta's fins  are shrinking?? pls help 6/29/05
Hello guys. I  seem to be having a problem with one of my male Bettas.
I've had him for about 4 months now and has always been spectacular to look at. however in the last 2 weeks i have noticed his tail fin steadily shrinking, and now i have noticed on his top fin, and even a little on his front side fin (the little ones they flip around rapidly).
I Have no clue what they are called 8-)  There is no holes or not even a tear on them at all , they seem to be just shrinking, all but the bottom fin and the 2 long ones under his head look good too. There are some tank mates in his 10 gal with him they include 5 neon tetras, 2 zebra Danios 2 Chinese algae eaters and a frog.
<Do watch for signs that the algae eater/s are "riding" your Betta>
they have always gotten along and i watch them quite a bit and never see any nipping at all. there is some Anacharis and another small leafed plant floating and rooting in the bottom. He is very active swimming almost all the time up down all around, he begs for food whenever i go near the tank and eats like a PIG!
<What sorts of foods? Something meaty, not just pellets I hope. Nutrition plays a powerful role here... the fin shredding could be directly related>
I keep the water at 82 degrees with a submersible heater but need to do a water change. Its been over a month sense I've changed it.
<Best to change some weekly>
I test for ammonia and the pH about once a weak and have been fine. right now the PH is 7.5 and the ammonia is 0 ppm.  I don't chk the nitrates or nitrites, Should I? I feed them a mixed diet of  frozen blood worms, frozen brineshimp, frozen veggies (all 3 are the little frozen cubes) and flakes, I alternate the flakes in every other day, and the Betta eats only the blood worms and the flakes.
I'd like to see him get better and regenerate his fin growth but am not sure what to do?
<Please read here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/FWSubWebIndex/bettadiseases.htm
and the linked files above... till you feel confident you know enough>
Again his fins look nice and sturdy with no splits or holes, and no discoloration on the ends or elsewhere, but his tail is about half the size it was 3 to 4 weeks ago? Pls help me this is my favorite of my 4 Bettas. thx  Allen....
<Read on my friend. Bob Fenner>

In your opinion... Betta
I'm sorry to bother, but I want to cover all my bases. I've had my Betta for about 6 months now.  He was housed in a 10gal tank  with a filter and I've kept the temperature controlled to +/-80 degrees.  I  also had three Corys in with him.  I test my tank water religiously and  keep the bad stuff at zero (except pH has always been high (around  8.0) though no matter what I've tried.  
I was eventually instructed to  leave it alone.)
<Good idea>
I change approximately 30% of the water every 10 days or so and  use Easy Balance, Prime & aquarium salt at the changes.
When he was first given to me, he acted sick and his fins  started melting away but he came back around after some treatment and had  been doing well.  
I added some plants about 3 weeks ago and things went downhill from  there.  
I got a severe algae bloom and one of the plants died and crumbled  in the tank.
<Mmm, what sort of plants? Some typically sold are not really tropical... and some don't "like" salt...>
I asked about treatment and was told to thoroughly clean the  tank then leave the light off.
<... the plants need light>
I'd previously had it on about 12-14 hours  a day.  I did that but the algae came back.  
I was told to leave the chemicals alone and get a little Oto cat  (I don't know the real name) to help with it before it got bad.  I did  that.  All seemed fine for a week then the other plant crumbled. (The  plants were like evergreens but long strips.)
<?>
I didn't want to tear down the tank again so soon because I know it  isn't good for it.
<Correct>
I did like a 50% water change and netted all the rocks  out and got all that I could with the nets from the bottom.
<Good>
One hour later, the Oto was dead.
<They can be touchy... don't like hard, alkaline water...>
The next morning, my Betta was listless and a little  swollen.  I skipped a feeding and the next morning, he was swollen even  more.  I fed him a little piece of a pea. The next morning his scales  started to stick out. :(
<Oh oh>
I started the tank on Maracyn II and set up the old five gallon  tank I had him in and the next morning, moved him in there with some Maracyn II  (as directed) and Epsom salt (1/8 teaspoon).
I have a heater in there for him but my old filter didn't work but  I was able to put one of those air filters in (the kind that sits in the water  with an airstone).  I'm doing a 50% water change when I add in the Maracyn  II every morning and keep testing the water.
<Good>
It seemed the swelling went down a little on one side but two days  later, has since come back and now I'm finding what I believe to be pieces of  his fins (they consist of a black line surrounded by this white cottony  looking fuzz).   
I have some jungle fungus clear here from his last bout and am  thinking of adding that in tomorrow morning after I do the water change, and  probably will unless I hear or read otherwise.
<This is a safe, reasonable medication here>
  I am also thinking I should  pick up some regular Maracyn on my way home from work tomorrow and use those  together, bypassing the jungle fungus clear.  
<Possibly>
I should add...I tried feeding him antibiotic food but he refused  it so I soaked some blood worm in water with a little of the Maracyn II in it  and he ate those the first couple days but is now refusing food.  He may  chase it a moment but he won't eat it.   
There also appears to be a clear (or sometimes) milky bubble coming  from his bowel area at times.
I have to admit... I am heartbroken.  I know from reading that  at this stage there is little hope but I would like, if you could, some  instruction on what I can do better or something more I can do.  I wish  there were someone I could run him to like a vet but I haven't found one in my  area as of yet.  I feel so bad for the little guy and simply don't know  what I should do.
<Pretty much what you have been, are doing...>
Any suggestions would be appreciated because I am second guessing  everything I'm doing.  Should I buy a new outside filter for the  tank...would that help?
<Yes>
Add or subtract or change dosage on any of the  medicines?
Thanks for being here to ask.
Caprice ~
<It appears your troubles came about as a result of the addition of the plants, their dying, polluting the water... Am hopeful your Betta will recover... do take care to not overmedicate its water. Bob Fenner>

Betta's tail rotting
Hi.   I wrote in awhile ago about my Betta (Flash).  He is in a 5 gallon heated tank with a sponge filter.  Tank is fully cycled and water conditions are ammonia 0 , nitrites 0, nitrates 20.  Ever since I got him in December, his back fin has been deteriorating.  I know this is usually due to bad water conditions but mine are exactly as they should be.  I change the water twice a week or when needed.  Originally I gave him two different antibiotics assuming it was fin rot.  Neither worked.  At your suggestion I tried Spectrogram.  I thought it worked but every time as it seems like the fin is growing back I will suddenly wake up one day and see big chunks missing.  He is alone in the tank.  I just completed two rounds of Spectrogram with several days between rounds and then this morning there is more tail missing.  I don't know what is causing it or what to do.  Soon there will be no tail left!  He eats, swims, and acts normal.  Also yesterday I noticed a spot on his eye.  It looks like a shiny spot right over where the pupil would be.  It is still there today.  Any ideas what that is.
<More evidence of something amiss here... my guess, chemically, with your water. What sort of decor items do you have in this tank? Do you have another tank that you might be able to use a filter from, a piece of Polyfilter to assess the make-up of the Betta five?>
Everyone I know keeps their Betta in a tiny unfiltered tank and never checks the water conditions and theirs are all fine.  Mine gets the deluxe treatment and I keep the water conditions monitored and have had
nothing but problems.  What am I missing? Please help!!!  I also bought Melafix to try.  I have used Betta Fix Remedy in the past but with no success.
Thanks,
Kim
<It may be that this one Betta also just has "genetic troubles"... is not strong in terms of its biological inheritance from its parents. Have you tried adding a teaspoon of aquarium salt to the water? Bob Fenner>

Betta eating his tail :((
Hi my name is Roxanne and I just bought my male (Comet) from the pet store just over a week ago and he seemed fine. I have him in the Betta starter container (1/2 gal) until I am able to get him a bigger tank. I have been changing his water every two days and adding the chlorine treatment.
<A good idea to set the new water out a few days ahead of use as well>
I thought he might have the beginning of fin rot. It didn't seem to get any worse and I really didn't know for sure if he had rot because his fins didn't look like any of the pictures I have seen. Then yesterday at water change he fell in the sink, but I quickly picked him up and put him back. He was pissed for a bit but then fine or so I thought. Just before I went to bed I noticed him chasing his tail. I didn't think much of it and turned off his light and went to bed. I woke up this morning and his tail is in pieces. His top fin is also ripped. It looks like he chewed on it till he couldn't reach any more of it. I don't know if this would mean anything but I have a stapler beside his tank and only recently noticed that he could see himself in it. Maybe he stressing himself out and that is making him eat his tail?
<Maybe... and Bettas are quite "autistic", and will chase their own tails... but much more likely what you're seeing is damage consequent from the dropping incident>
I am very worried any advice you could give would be great. lol sorry for the long story but just want you to have as much facts as possible.
P.S I have another male in a big bowl (1 gal) using the same water and temp and everything and he is doing great. I also added a bit more aquarium salt to both.
<Ah, good. This is the best treatment. You might benefit from reading through the WWM Betta Disease and System articles, FAQs files>
Any help you could give would be much appreciated.
Roxanne and Comet...and Charlie :)
<Bob Fenner>

Gasping Betta
Hi Bob, Our Betta, Alpha, has been with us for a year now.  He had been healthy and happy for about a year until a little over a week ago when he gradually stopped eating altogether and started swimming less.  He has now decided to stop swimming altogether and only perches himself near the top of the water on top of a piece of plant.  The only time we can get him to move (we frequently have to check if he's dead) is when we slightly nudge his bowl and he'll swim about frantically for about 15 seconds at the top of the water straining himself to make his whole head up to the gills stick up out of the water!  There are no bodily external signs of sickness outside of a dull coloring, however, I decided to put him on Maracyn Two because I thought poor Alpha may have a gill disease.  I keep good tabs on his water temp, which generally stays between 75 and 80 degrees and test his water frequently.  He gets a full water change of his gallon bowl every 6 or 7 days.  Do you have any ideas on what we may be dealing with. We're on day four of his Maracyn Two and he's as sad as ever! In particular, this perching at the top of the water business and frantically sticking his head up out of the water while swimming in sort of a thrashing fashion really has me puzzled! Hope you can help!
Amy
<Since you are near the end of the treatment I would continue. Then start 50% water changes with dechlorinated water. Usually when a Betta starts sticking his head out of water it is because he can not get enough oxygen. If his gills have been injured there is little you can do except add an airstone and a little salt and hope he heals. If it is a water quality issue the water changes will help. But not 100% at a time. 50% max, daily for a week. Don>

Popeye
Good news! My Betta's swelling has completely gone away. Interestingly, I went to the pet store and tried to get all of the things you suggested, but of course they didn't have any of them in stock, so I ended up buying BettaFix instead, since it was the only product they had. Almost immediately after I started treating him, the swelling went away. Unfortunately, however, my poor Betta still has terrible Popeye in both eyes that doesn't seem to be improving with continued treatment. Also, although the swelling has subsided, he still hasn't returned to his normal self. He's lethargic and sort of discolored and has a much smaller appetite than usual.  Any suggestions??
A
<Try adding Epsom salt to his water to relieve the pressure in his eyes. A tablespoon per 5 gallons of water. Keep his water pristine by doing many water changes. 50% daily is not too much. Just replace the Epsom salt in the new water at the same concentration. Meds for the most part are ineffective against Popeye and can cause the water to foul. Most eye problems arise after treatment for some other problem. The trick is to reduce the swelling to save his sight and let his immune system do the rest. Good luck. Don>

Change Water Problem and the Effect of Aerosols on Fish (6/5/05)
Happy weekend everyone! <Thanks, same to you. Steve Allen answering today.)
I just have a simple yet strange question that I cannot find an answer to. I make my change water a week ahead of time in a 20 gallon plastic garbage can which I purchased just for that use brand new. I add the salt then water then water conditioner. Then I put in a heater and a large bubble stone and let it sit with a loose fitting cover. The last two times I decided to check the change water for no particular reason and there was a significant amount of ammonia in the water. <yikes!> I rinse the can out with hot water before and after every use. <I'd use room temp water rather than hot> I'd be a little concerned that the hot might cause the release of some chemicals form the plastic. I've noticed plastic odors when I use hot water in plastic containers.> Any suggestions as to why this is happening, because it really is frustrating to dump the water out and start over again... and costly too. Maybe a week is too long to let the water sit? Thank you, Heather. <Two possibilities come to mind. The first is that there is ammonia in your tap water. Test it. The second is ammonia in the salt. This happened to me once. Another possibility is that there's something wrong with your test kit. You may want to verify the results with your LFS. If there is no ammonia in you tap water (you should aerate for 24 hours before adding the salt), and there is after you add the salt, then the salt is the culprit.>
P.S. A reader (Christene) asked a question regarding the deaths of multiple Bettas in her mothers bathroom. I had the same problem and found that when I quit spraying my hair and stopped using spray deodorant the fish lived. The spray particles where contaminating the water. Just a suggestion worth trying. ...And also for the lady in Loves Park Illinois with the ich problem.... I live in Brookfield Illinois if you want me to try to help. I've gotten through ich successfully before. <Thanks. Excellent observation on the aerosols. Using any aerosol chemical product in the same room (especially a small one like a bathroom) can be dangerous to fish in the room. If you'd like to be helpful to others in this hobby, you should consider joining our chat forum--lots of folks seeking input there.>

Betta with White Spot
Hello: We have a male Betta fish, in a one gallon bowl, with a canopy light and small filter system.  I change the water every two weeks, I noticed the other morning that he is developing a light white circle on the top of his head just behind the eyes.  Can you tell me what it might be and what to treat it with?  I have asked at our local fish store and they have tested the water but said the findings were inconclusive.Thank you for your time
Sofie
< A small white spot may be the first symptom of ich. It can be treated with Rid-Ich. If the spot is getting bigger then it may be a bacterial infection and I would recommend treating the problem with Furanace.-Chuck>

Strangely deformed and ill Betta
Hello,
<Hi there>
I do Betta rescues -- that is, buying/adopting sick Bettas and attempting to nurse them back to health.
<Outstanding>
Recently, though, I've acquired a Betta unlike any other I've had. Velvet is very small, perhaps one and a fourth inches long, and in addition to a nasty case of Finrot (being medicated properly, of course!), he seems to be deformed. His body appears to be uneven, with more mass hanging to one side than the other, and he appears to be a bit hunchbacked as well. His ventral fins are clumped and curl up, getting in the way of his pectoral fins at times. Could this be a result of uncareful breeding?
<Or "just" random genetic variation... defects as some state>
When I bought him, he was happily flaring at the other fishes, but he seems to have worsened, despite my careful monitoring of the water's condition and the medication. The only environmental difference that I can think of is that he is no longer in the tiny store cup, and the water condition is improved.
Specifically, Velvet does not bother to swim anymore, but floats on his side on top of the water. If he tries, he can swim decently, but it seems to tire him out, and he'll go back to floating on his side. He is also not eating. I'm worried. I don't want to consider euthanasia unless I absolutely must, but I also don't want poor Velvet to starve to death. Please, can you help me?
Thank you in advance,
Sandra
<I wish I had something positive to offer here. This fish is likely doomed by heredity... as well as development, treatment before your good care, better put down. Bob Fenner>

(Another case of a) Bloated Betta
My poor Betta is dying!  His stomach region is extremely swollen and bloated, he swims with his entire body inclined sideways, and he seems to be unable to swim to the bottom of his bowl without floating to the top against his will.  He doesn't appear to have the protruding scales that are symptomatic of dropsy, but he does have pop eyes, I think.  Is there anything I can do for him?  Is he constipated, growing a tumor, suffering from swim bladder disease?  
<This seems to be a common affliction of Betta splendens, or so I have learned in my time here. My diagnosis would be an infection of bacterial nature. Dropsy is a term used to lump a vast array of bacterial diseases that show similarities in symptoms, so it is not effective in the identification of a specific pathogen. Once an infection gets this far, it is difficult to reverse it. I would recommend daily water changes of 50%: 100% water changes put more stress on the fish. Pick up some medicated antibacterial food and some MelaFix, as well. Feed the antibacterial food before a water change to reduce pollution, and do your daily dose of MelaFix after the change to prevent dilution. Stop all other treatments you have been trying - often, overmedication will ultimately lead to a fish's demise. Best of luck! Mike G (wow, it's been a while, hasn't it?)>
Any help/suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
-A

Betta, Ghost Shrimp, and Corys pt2
Thank-you for your prompt response. Sadly, my Betta died. He showed no signs of sickness at all. I came home from work (same day I sent my previous question) and noticed he was at the top of the tank, practically lifeless and alarmingly pale. I read about Betta diseases and did not notice any white spots, bloating, or anything like that. Just his loss
in color, practically all gone! I took him out and put him in a bowl, using the same water from the tank. I was going to get some treatment in the morning but he died. Do you think this was because of the Corys? What should I have done to prevent this? The tank is almost 2 gallons with a filter, one rock, and a fake plant. I'm afraid to get another Betta for fear of killing it. What is your recommendation?
Thank-you.
Sheila
<This is two deaths in a rather short period of time. I would hold off a little also. If all is well with the last Cory in a month or so then I would go get another one or two of the same species. If that goes well, then try another Betta.
There is usually no problem mixing these two fish. Even an aggressive Betta will usually not bother the bottom dwelling Corys. But not having seen the dead Cory it is impossible for me to say if it was infection or from a fight. But I'm leaning towards infection with the death of the Betta. Please do not treat if you do not see signs on the Cory. That would cause your water quality to decline quickly. Instead try doing a few more water changes. Keep the tank pristine and allow his immune system do the rest. And if you do not have a heater I recommend you add one. Both these fish are tropical and need a steady temp in the high 70s to thrive. Don> 

Mars' Last Chance
Dear Bob, I've tried to find some answers to what may be a hopeless case -- but hope springs eternal. We've had Mars for almost three years, and he has always gotten a bit stressed when we go away, even if our fish sitters come in and feed; usually, a few days in a BettaMax bath helps him regain his good humor. We also have Miles, who is basically "bomb-proof" --a happy-go-lucky little guy who eats like a pig and lives life. Miles is over a year old. We were away this weekend, just for two days; unfortunately, Boston was hit by a heat wave while we were gone. I had left them both some food on top of their tanks when we left; both of them have never been sick. When we got back five days ago, Miles had Popeye, and Mars was just being listless on the bottom of his tank. I've been treating Miles' Popeye with Maracyn and a little Epsom salt; he's eating again like a pig, and his eye is getting less swollen. Mars is doing very badly -- he never got out of his listless phase, and he looked a bit swollen; however, it doesn't look like an advanced case of dropsy. He won't eat -- not even a pea -- so I have been treating him in a shallow bowl with clean, aged Bettamax'ed water, and have been adding Epsom salts, and Maracyn-2. He looks absolutely miserable, and this morning, I was horrified to see that his long fin had broken off. Should I euthanize him? I don't know whether the problem is that at his age, the sudden increase in temperature was just too much for him. We love him dearly, and it breaks our hearts to see him suffer. I'd truly appreciate an answer soon, since I'm thinking that we'll put him in a Ziploc bag with water, and place him in the freezer -- this is what I've read is the most humane way to euthanize a Betta fish.
Thanks,
Niki
<Niki, I would not put him down yet. I would start changing out the water to get rid of the medicine. His problems started from the heat wave, not illness. Putting the meds in his water is just stressing him more. He is a bit old for a Betta, a sign of your good care. And that may work against him here. But I think his best chance is fresh, clean water. Try to get him eating again with whatever his favorite food is. But be careful not to over feed and remove any he does not eat right away. If you do think it's time to end his suffering the freezer will work. But do it in a cup. Fill it with water, put it in the freezer, and let it chill to the point of skim ice. Then break a whole in the ice and slide him in. Death is almost instant. But not yet. Don>

Mars' Last Chance pt 1a
Sorry, Bob -- I neglected to clarify that in my previous email about Mars and Miles, they are both Betta fish, they are kept in separate (but equal!) tanks, of course, I do a complete water change every week, with aged water, and add five drops of a dechlorinator -- so, since we've had Mars for almost three years, and Miles for about a year and a half, the water seems to be fine for them.
Thanks again,
Niki
<Sounds good, but I would only change 50% of the water at a time. But if this works for you and your fish I do not want you to change. Don>

The Passing of Mars
Thanks again to Don for his quick response to my question regarding my ailing Betta fish, Mars. I'm sad to report that Mars passed on  Saturday night, June 11th. Mars taught me a lot about fish care, and life -- and continues to do so, even in his present state. I brought his body to the fish store where I had purchased him -- as it turns out, TWO years ago, not three; however, I was surprised to learn from one of the aquarium folks that most of their Betta fish are already one year old when they are brought into the store to be sold. So, I went from believing he was three (Mars was so named during the summer when the planet Mars was near the earth; I mistakenly had thought that was in 2002, but it was 2003), to thinking he was two, to know believing again that he was three. Upon removing him from his tank, I can clearly see a whitish on his bottom side, beginning right under the gill cover (from side to side) and extending to the pelvic fin. This is the only unusual discoloration on the fish. The aquarium person told me that he definitely didn't have dropsy, or fungus -- nothing on him is fuzzy. So, while we will give Mars a dignified send-off (and not into any local waters), I'd certainly like to know what the possible causes of his death are -- and, if he was two, is that considered a "premature" death? And if he was truly three? Thanks so much, folks -- I'm sure I'm not the first Betta owner who is both saddened and flummoxed by the quick demise of a beloved pet (it's just been seven days since the temperature rose due to a Boston heat wave while we were away for a weekend, he became listless, even though the house was now moderated by air conditioning, I medicated him, then removed him from his medications).
Niki
<Sorry to hear you lost him. But you are correct that we are always learning in this hobby. I hope you use your knowledge to care for another Betta. You may never know the true cause of death, but the temp increase, medication and his age were all factors, IMO. Bettas today are bred, and inbred, for their fins and colors. Life span seems to have suffered. Four and five year old Bettas are far rarer today than ten years ago. So you did well with him. And with the sadness of his passing comes the excitement of looking for your next pet. Good luck. Don>   

Spreading black spot on male Betta tail fin
Hi!
<Hello>
I hope you can help me. I've scanned your info and haven't seen a problem described quite like this before. We have a male Betta, red and iridescent blue. We've had him approx. 8 mos. and he seems to be healthy except he has a black spot on his tail fin that seems to be spreading. If he were human I would say it was skin cancer. His fin does not seem to be "dissolving," however, which seems to be how you describe tail rot. In all other regards he seems fine; he still builds
bubble nests, eats, swims toward me when I approach, and flairs if I get really close. He is in a two gallon bowl, and there never is any measurable amount of ammonia when I test the water. We do have very hard water which is softened but remains highly alkaline even if I use a buffering agent. Any ideas? Your help would be greatly appreciated. 
Beth
<It may well be that this "melanized" area is naught but some developing color region. I would not be overly concerned re, and definitely would not "treat" for it. Bob Fenner> 

Betta Fin Rot
Hi,
<Hello there>
I am terribly confused about the fin rot condition in Betta fish. I have had my fish, Dory, for about a year and a half. He has had swim bladder disorder in the past, specifically when I first got him.  However a few days ago I had thought he had swim bladder disorder again, with the way he was swimming around. It was difficult for him to swim and He just rested on a leaf all day a few days ago. 
I changed his water yesterday after deciding that it would be beneficial to him, even though I did not want to move him. I usually change the water and clean completely every other week, with a partial change every week.
<How large a container...>
I Have been medicating with Betta fix, however this morning when I checked on him, I saw pieces of his fins on the ground. I did not realize he might have fin rot until this morning.
<...>
He's only in a half gallon Betta tank 
<Ahh, this needs to be cleaned twice a week...>
because I live in a college residence, and it has to be easy to travel with and move him around (plus we're not supposed to have any type of pet including fish) .  I went to the pet store and the girl told me that the Betta fix should help and that anything else (Neosulfex, fungus eliminator, etc.) would be difficult to treat him because of the size of the tank. (it's too small to find the right dosage).  I did buy a different type of treatment with Aloe Vera specifically for Bettas (stress coat), and am treating him with the 2 different remedies.
I'm just wondering if there's anything else I can do for him and whether these remedies will cure him or if I should buy something else. Am confused about Epsom Salts, and have heard that that could be helpful to fin rot. I have spent hours online trying to research this, and I come up with different answers, some people saying how to treat one way, others saying another. I am not sure what to do. I guess I also want to ask if Dory will be able to make a full recovery.
I do not have a ph/ammonia testing kit, and my resources are limited because the pet shops in my area are not great. Also wondered if it's known if fin rot is very painful for Betta fish. I am very worried, and would like to treat him ASAP, I am just confused with the amount of products on the market suited to the size of my aquarium. 
Thank you so much in advance for all of your help
Sam
<No use in feeling bad... and little use in the compounds you have been administering. Please read here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/FWSubWebIndex/bettasysart.htm re Betta Systems... then the linked files above on Betta Disease... I would add some "aquarium" salt here... and nothing else. Bob Fenner> 

Septicemia
Hello, First, I wanted to say that your website is much appreciated and very helpful. The problem I'm having is properly diagnosing and curing my female Bettas (both are opaque whites). One of them now looks like a butterfly Betta due to the red streaks on ALL fins...the other has a tiny red spot on her tail, and some red streaks on her anal and dorsal fins. Thinking they might have Septicemia, I've treated them with Maracyn 2 for 10 days and it doesn't seem like anything happened. I'm not sure if I should repeat treatment again with Maracyn 2...Any further suggestions or help on how to cure these red streaks are welcome. The following is more detailed information regarding their background, etc.
Current symptoms:
They still have their red streaks in their finnage. They've been off their meds for about 10 days now, and their attitudes have severely changed. They are lethargic and listless, tend not to eat as much, and scared (they often hide when I come to look at them or they dash quickly into their pagodas when I gently drop their food in)...They used to be more active swimming around (mainly because the smaller one would get chased every now and then) and friendly (coming to greet me when I'd feed them)
Recent Changes & Food:
3 days ago, I put a clear divider to protect the smaller female (stop the chasing) since their behavior change. Sometimes, the sisters hang out facing each other through the divider...I can't tell if the smaller one now lost her appetite due to depression? She still eats, but very little (maybe 3 pellets and 2 live brine shrimp once a day). It's odd because the other female (the one that now looks like a butterfly) eats well. I usually feed them twice a day mixing flakes, pellets, and live brine shrimp. For example, 6 pellets & 5 brine shrimp for each Betta twice a day...Am I overfeeding?
<Yep! Cut to all they eat in a minute or two once a day.>
Tank situation: 
I have them in a 10-gal with a sponge filter (I will be getting a 2nd filter, now that the tank is divided). I do weekly water changes (50%) adding only aquarium salt (Hawaii's tap water doesn't have chlorine). I have enough floating water sprites (Ceratopteris) to cover about half the tank (I clean off dead leaves and rise plants weekly). For their "homes" they each have a ceramic pagoda...
<Are you sure about the chlorine? You may have chloramines which must be removed.>
Background:
I got the pair in early April (fully white). I didn't change their water for about 3 weeks (since my aquarist friend told me not to) until one female showed some red streaks in her fins. However, I was told that they were just stressed out and no treatment was necessary. I then began to do water changes weekly...When the red streaks worsened and also began to appear on the other female in early May, I began to worry. That's when I started treatment w/ Maracyn 2.
Thanks,
Nell
<Sure sounds like a bad case of Septicemia. Many times this can be cured with water changes alone. Lots of them. Like 50% daily using a gravel vac to get all the old organics out of the system. I do not see any mention of water tests. You should be testing for ammonia, nitrite and nitrate. You are looking for zero on the first two, nitrates below 20ppm. With the signs you are seeing I would bet you have very high nitrates. The water changes will correct. If they continue to decline treat with Oxytetracycline. If possible remove them to a QT tank for treatment. The meds will kill off your beneficial bacteria causing ammonia and nitrite spikes. If you treat, you must test. Don>

Does a dead Betta sink or float? Either
I just want to be sure before I lose all hope. About an hour ago, I noticed Halacarnimirie had trouble staying afloat.
he struggled to swim up for air, almost lopsided, and then abruptly sank like the marbles he crash landed on. he would stay there, face down, red fins waving and when i gave him a tap he darted around lopsided again, then promptly sank again. i thought perhaps it may be a swim bladder problem so i wasn't planning on feeding him, then again he hadn't eaten his food from yesterday.  i immediately changed his water and added some ick and parasite cure and bacteria and fungus cure just in case and only used a little water so he could reach the surface more easily. I've always used tap water treated with aquarium salt and stress coat for the 11 months I've had him.
<You should use your grammar and spell checkers so diligently>
i lifted him up a few times with the net so he could get some air, he seemed to breathe in a gulp, then i put him back in where he let out a few bubbles, gills occasionally moving. well, its been a half an hour now and he is just laying on his side without moving. I've nudged him with no response... alas, i think Halacarnimirie has finally shed his mortal coil.
i just had to ask, i would hate to think that within a day he could possibly snap out of his watery coma or something.
Halaluine, my previous Betta, lasted about a year and a half and let me know he had expired by considerably floating quite obviously on the surface with his blue gills all a mess.
<I would not panic, discard this animal at this point... Could be just a bout of melancholy, or a cycling incident in its environment. Please read on WWM re Betta Systems and Disease. Bob Fenner> 

Betta problems
I tried finding answers on your FAQ pages, but nothing matched what exactly has been going on with Matsy. It all started when we got a female to breed him with, since he was always blowing bubbles. The female had the white protuberance, changed from horizontal to vertical stripes when we put them together. Matsy was very patient, displaying, poking her a bit now and then, but not too aggressive. Just letting her know, I assumed, he was ready. But, Angelina never responded, so we separated them.
<Happens, good move>
A day before we put them together, Matsy had stopped eating, and we figured it was stage fright or something. Two weeks later, he still hasn't eaten! I read that Bettas can become depressed, so I figured that was it. But, today I noticed his fins seem to be less active, are sticking together, and he's occasionally twitching. So I went out and bought Aquari-sol and added it, along with some salt. I also changed the water 100%. I'm not sure if that was appropriate, but he really didn't look very healthy today so I wanted to try to get at the source right away.
<Mmm, not likely too much trouble here>
So, am I treating him properly? Which disease does the twitching and not eating indicate? If a Betta fails to entice a female, can he get depressed and not eat? If so, how do you encourage him to eat again?
<Well, I'd rather use a Malachite Green solution on Bettas than Copper (Aquarisol in this case), but the salt is a good idea. What temperature is this animal's water? What foods, not just dry, are you offering?>
Hopefully Matsy will recover. While I was at the store, I couldn't help but by this cute female (yet un-named) to give Matsy another chance.
Thanks!
Lori
p.s. Will your reply be easy to find on your site?
<We respond directly and post all. Bob Fenner> 

Re: Betta problems
Thank you so much for responding. Matsy seems to be moving around better today, but his fins still seem droopy, and he still won't eat. I've been feeding him Betta Bites since I got him in February. I tried Freeze dried bloodworms and sun dried Baby Shrimp back in February too, but he never ate them. (The other Bettas (our family is now four) do. And I got some frozen brine shrimp in anticipation of babies, but he won't eat those either. What else can I try?
<A vitamin, appetite enhancing product added to the food, water... these are made for fishes, aquariums>
He does have a live plant (fern) in with him. Will that make infusoria? Could he be eating infusoria to sustain him these days?
<Might be...>
I need to get a thermometer to check the temperature. Our office all winter was really warm (80) so I never worried about it, but when the air conditioner kicked in (we can't control that going on, but I did plug the vent so the cold air doesn't come in), I got a space heater and we run that round the clock. Still, it's probably not the preferred 80 anymore. I know other Bettas in the building that seem to be doing fine with lower temperature.
<As long as not too low... low 70's, high 60's actual water temperature, and not vacillating more than a few degrees F. per day, should be okay>
I can go out and get whatever medicine you think is most appropriate. From what I read on the Web the Aquari-sol seemed to be recommended by some Betta people to cure lots of things, so I started with that.
<Am not a fan of such medicines for Bettas... too serious side-effects... toxicity>
Thanks for your advice. I love Matsy (man are Bettas addicting or what?) and want him to thrive again! It's amazing to me how interactive Bettas are with humans.
Lori
<Very "human-attuned" animals. Bob Fenner>

Re: Betta problems
One more thing on Matsy, we noticed today his eyes seem to be bugging out a bit, definitely look different than originally.
Thanks!
<Good observation, and troubling... sometimes evidence of internal trouble, infection... I would add a bit of Epsom and Aquarium Salts to this fish's water. Bob Fenner>

Re: Betta problems, Matsy Has Gone
Thanks for all your feedback. Unfortunately Matsy passed away Thursday night. Very sad. He was the best Betta (I imagine others might argue that point). Now Osiris is starting to have the same symptoms. I haven't been able to find the Malachite Green you recommended for Matsy. My roommate used the same fish net as we had used to take Matsy's body out of his bowl, so we're thinking Osiris may now have the same thing...
<Maybe...>
At any rate, we'll do our best. I really appreciate your generous feedback.
Lori
<Glad to offer my help. Please do peruse our Betta archives. Bob Fenner> 

Fungus and ...?
Hi! I've written before regarding the same Betta fish, Louie, and you helped me then so I hope you can help me now.
<Will try>
First the specs: weekly water changes (without fail) of 90%. This seems to work best for him as opposed to 50% water changes. There  are ammonia-absorbing/filtering rocks on the bottom of his 1 gallon aquarium mixed with a little bit of regular gravel. Water is a set at 80 degrees constantly. I do use 1/8th teaspoon of stress coat per water change and 1/2 tsp aquarium salts. He has his fish net *when it needs to be used*... generally I don't have to touch him with it at all as I use a small, flexible bowl instead. I don't know the water readings.
<All sounds good>
Now the problem: My poor little king has green stuff on him! Grass-green, like algae colored, sheathing the ends of his some of his fins. First thing I did when I noticed this about 2-3 weeks ago is change the water and everything in the bowl; the green was on his plants a little too, so they were tossed and new ones added. All gravel was thrown away and replaced. 
<Have seen actual algae grow on damaged, diseased Bettas... but am wondering here...>
Everything brand new except the bowl itself and that had none of this green stuff actually ON it anywhere. Cleaned it with bleach. The green stuff came back, so either something with the water itself (which took a good 5-6 months to show itself) or something with the
fish. Went to a pet store and the 'fish expert' there suggested something called Clout. Used that three days. Seemed to work for a bit then everything came back. Was recommended to me by another Betta owner to treat with maracyn-2. Gave him a full five days, changed the water. Then a patch of fungus on his head. 
Treated with MarOxy and it went away. By this time, I was getting a little worried about all the meds I was pumping into him, of course. Of late, because I can't shake that green stuff, I asked another fish expert at a pet store and they suggested Betta Fix, which I was trying to stay away from. Having exhausted most other methods to me, I started on that, this being the 4th day. I was cautioned not to change out the water completely even though the old water was still MarOxy-laden. Did a 50% change before administering the Betta Fix. 
This morning I wake up and see things have gotten much worse; the green is still there and some on his chest, which I am worried will get into his gills. PLUS he now has some kinda crust or slime or something in a half circle around his left eye and it looks like more coming in on his back-- I remember the last patch looked like he'd lost a few scales and then got fuzzy. That's how it looks now... like he lost a few scales so I expect the same. I will do a 100% change again tonight and just use salts, raise the temp maybe and wait until I hear back from you. I am now at a loss as to what I can do to save my poor boy. Please advise. 
Thank you very much!
Becky
<I suspect that the original "green" material may have been nothing to worry about... but that the subsequent medicating has compromised your Betta... I would cease all such treatments and just add a level teaspoon of aquarium salt per five gallons of water to his system. Bob Fenner>

Missing Betta fins
hi. I recently got my 2nd Betta fish and a tank that advertised a Betta divider. The first night (about 10 days ago) the smaller fish slipped
through the divider somehow. Luckily, we got him out before any damage and put him on his side. We couldn't figure out how he got through,
<Likely "over">
and neither fish seemed to have any problems or scrapes. Today however, we noticed that the smaller fish is missing a large portion of the fin that is on top of its back. When we looked at the big fish, we noticed that the tips of its tail seem kind of straggly. Because we are new at Bettas, and tanks, we don't know what it could be from. We are assuming that it is unlikely that it is the filter, but could the fish be nipping at each other? if that is the case, what can we do to help them? or could it be some type of water bacteria? the water is clean and I used the dechlorinator stuff and let the water sit until it was room temperature. please help!
<Please go to our site (URL above) and read the articles and FAQs archived on Bettas... Bob Fenner>