Betta Questions Pls Help?

Question

My male betta, Junior is the sole occupant of a 5gallon tank. We got him a week ago. I haven't done any water changes yet.
He eats well, is active,keeps flaring at his own shadows and builds bubble nests.3-4 days after I got him, I noticed a split in his tail fin. I couldn't figure out why it happened. I asked a question here regarding the same, and someone told me it could be fin rot and someone else told me it could just be an injury cos it was too early for fin rot as the water was only 3-4days old and he had been perfectly fine the previous night (considering it occurs due to dirty water)This morning I noticed more splits and I can't understand the reason. Could it be an injury? Or something else? Are their fins really so delicate so as to tear when in contact with rough/bumpy/harsh surfaces like an ornamental aquarium cave? If it is an injury, will it heal on its own? What can I do to help him?Also, he is very aggressive and keeps flaring inspite of his tail.

I noticed the new splits this morning, and when I got home later in the day, he had built a bubble nest bigger than he ever has. Thats actually supposed to a be a good sign right? Whats wrong with his fin then?

Yes I did allow the water to stay for 48hours before I put him in. I even added 3 drops of a de-chlorinator to be extra sure.

Answer 1

ok let's clear the air a bit....

His fins will not split just swimming around in the tank. They can split from ornaments and things in the tank though. Also from being netted for example. Even a little ammonia in the water can also cause split fins especially the tail and dorsal fins, so watch that closely.

Yes, the damage will repair it's self over time, but it's not a real fast process and there really isn't anything you can do to speed it up except keep his water clean and feed him well.

Fin rot is not caused by bad water every time by the way. You can get it from pet shop tanks or it already be on your fish when you get the fish. This just sounds link simple split fins to me though, not fin rot.

MM

Answer 2

is it clear splits and not fraying?
if it's fraying with black edging then it's fin rot
if it's a clear tear this could be done through over-exerting and flaring (called a blow out), and they are delicate and will tear on decor.

so if you have any sharp edges or plastic plants, remove them. only keep betters in with smooth decor and silk/live plants.

drag decor over some old tights, if they snag, they'll snag a bettas tail too!

just keep his water lovely and clean, as he's been there a week it's about time now for another water change, add a small amount of aquarium salt and a half dose of melafix to prevent any infection and it should heal up fairly quickly.

Answer 3

Their fins do tear easily, if you have anything that is rough or has sharp edges it could be the cause, even a plastic plant can do it.

I told you what I think you should do to help him heal on your last question, but to keep it from happening again you need to remove whatever is tearing his fins. If there is a particular part of the tank that he likes to flare in, you might also want to rearrange and tank decorations so that he has plenty of space there to flare and act all macho without hurting himself.

Answer 4

Most likely, his aggressiveness causes him to damage his fins often. It will heal by itself. Disease is usually when white scales form on his fins. Did you allow the tap water to air at least 24 hours before u put him in? Tap water has lotsa chlorine. 48 hours is good airing time before letting the fish in. Beta thrive on murky, dirty water by the way. Betas are naturally aggressive to begin with. Feed him once a day five to seven pellets. Change his tank only when it gets really bad. Like every two months.

Answer 5

The splits are caused by the ornaments in the tank.The fins will heal on its own.

Answer 6

Is yours with a long tail?

If yes, it could be due to him biting himself!!

I've come across many agressive/stressed half-moon biting it's own tail till he can't reach anymore of it's tail...

Check your water condition or cover 3-side of your tank, maybe something around your tank's stressing him.

Good luck. Cheers.

Answer 7

i've seen lots of photos of betta's and it appears that they are split, but that's just the way they grow. It sounds like you have a very healthy betta! Congrats..I'll try and dig up a photo.....

notice the evolution of the crown tail..
http://www.bettysplendens.com/articles/page.imp?articleid=1007