Crown-tail Betta black gills?

Question

Now, I don't know if this is a new development or not. I'm still just trying to assess if my betta is ill or not, but I've only had him for a week. I bought him from PetSmart and I realize that he may not be destined for survival, but he has really dark eyes and a black all along his gills, and underneath where the gils meet. When he plays with th emirror and flares out, the black is even across the gill, but I'm worndering if that's just natural coloration or if I should be concerned about fungus?

Answer 1

he fine

Answer 2

Why does your betta have a mirror as a toy?? Leaving a mirror within his sight is like putting another fish in his tank with him. All that flaring causes unnecessary stress on him, and it could result in blown-out gills and eventually death. Remove it immediately.

Dark eyes/gills are common color characteristics of bettas. However, if you start to see him black/grey/brown/white patches on his fins, your betta has fin rot. It's caused by stress that makes him susceptible to the bacteria in his enviroment. Treat that with melafix or Bettafix (same stuff, just brand name). You can find it for about $4 at most pet shops.

EDIT: In response to the person above, bettas are very active, colorful, curious fish. They need stimulation from their surroundings. Add live/silk plants, marbles, decorations and move them around when you clean the tank to give him new surroundings to explore every week. Bettas become lethargic when they have nothing to do, or if their water is too cold. They're tropical fish that need water that's at least 75 degrees. Buy an aquarium thermometer to monitor the temperature, and if you find that it's too cold, buy a heater. If your betta is still acting like it's dying, then you can be pretty sure that he's sick and needs to be treated accordingly.

Answer 3

A betta may have black or white edges to his fins. Often bettas you buy in the store are only about 6 months old. Their fins may grow out quite a bit, and colors may shift. Diet may cause color changes. I've got a blue male who started developing a white edge on his fins after I had him for several months. (Scared the hell out of me when he did.) I had a white female who developed a black spot on both fins. In general as long as the color is balanced evenly on both sides, and the texture of the surface doesn't change I wouldn't worry. (bumps, and lump are bad)

PS- Mirrors aren't bad as an occasional thing, but some people consider a mirror that's always there a source of stress. I find my bettas seem more active, and appear happier after a little mirror time, or when I push the tanks together. If you have a mirror, or other betta in sight you should be your betta has some place he can hide from it.

Answer 4

I'm sure he's fine. Betta's aren't very lively fish at all if they arnt being stimulated so they always look dying/dead/sick, but they're fine I'm sure. If it does die tho, you can take it back to where you bought it and get it tested/get a new one. But again, im sure its fine.

Answer 5

I believe he is alright.