I can't say for sure he has tail rot since it has no discoloration or graying around the frayed edges. I've read it is possible for bettas to bite and self mutilate their fins and tail upon times of stress and what have you.
From one day to the next he has some shredded and fraying on the top edge of his tail and a small hole.
My question is whether anyone thinks it *is* in fact tail rot or if it is possibly a result of him biting his tail. I've had him for 4 months now and do full water changes weekly in his 1 gal home. I always add Aquarium Salt and dechlorinate his water.
Is there any tried and tusted remedies to promote regrowth? I just bought and treated him with "Splinded Betta's Betta Fix" tonight.
I just noticed the fraying today so I think it is safe to say he'll recover. He's still fairly active but isn't quite as piggish as normal with his food. I did get him to flare and put on a show today for me. Maybe he isn't as sick as I think?
Any help will be appreciated.
2007-04-16 17:08:31 · 6 answers · asked by real_classy_gal 2 in Pets ➔ Fish
Fin rot is not necerally caused by just ammonia. Any number of reasons from poor water to stressed fish will cause fin rot. You do need to treat your beta to cure the fin rot. I agree however with a 50% water change once a week for your betta with dechlor water.
http://www.petfish.net/kb/entry/335
2007-04-16 19:21:06 · answer #1 · answered by danielle Z 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
If you are uncertain, you can put a little dose of medicine into the water. Go get the meds from the fishstore. If it gets worse, then you really need medication. If you did not have tail rot, then you just change the water after 4 days. Good luck!
2016-05-17 06:19:53 · answer #2 · answered by kecia 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
One of the very most common causes of frayed fins in a male betta is ammonia. It really takes very little to produce this problem and your mention of a small hole in his fin is another very strong indicator of ammonia build up. Without a discoloration it is *possible* that it's fin rot, but a real long shot. I would really go with the ammonia answer if it were one of my bettas. And yes, I have seen it on mine and on bettas from some of the top breeders in the IBC, so it can happen to anyone. You said you do a 100% water change once a week. I would suggest changing that to a 50% change every 2-3 days for a 1 gallon bowl. That would even out any potential for ammonia problems quite a bit.
The frayed areas and pin holes will eventually grow out, though it may take a while. The best thing to do is simply keep the water as clean as possible to prevent fin rot or fungus from setting in while they heal. The beta fix won't hurt a thing but won't be a magic bullet to fix the fins rapidly either, nothing will do that I'm afraid. If I can help any further feel free to email me. Hope this helps.
MM
2007-04-16 17:21:01 · answer #3 · answered by magicman116 7 · 2⤊ 5⤋
Firstly, you do not need to add salt all the time. Betta's are freshwater fish and while most freshwater fish will appreciate salt from time to time, it actually will stress them after time too.
As for them self mutliating, I have never heard of that before and it is not true. But they can shred their fins on aquarium decor (not purposely) fish have no concept of self mutliation. They live to live and are not capable of such things.
If you add a little melafix (totally safe med) it can aid in the regrowth of the fins.
Hope that helps
2007-04-16 23:32:55 · answer #4 · answered by Amber 1 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Yes the fins can be rotting I think new ones will grow though but it will take awhile
2007-04-16 17:12:41 · answer #5 · answered by Trell773 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is 100% tail rot. keep up the water changes and the tail will grow back dont worry bettas are cheap fish and even if it dies its easy to get another
2007-04-16 17:19:39 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 5⤋