My betta has this white thing under its head, it looks like a deteriorationg gill, what is it?

Question

It looks like a ich but bigger than ich. It is almost like fungus too what is it really? I dont want it to die. Thanks

Answer 1

It's hard to say what this might be from your description. A "fungus" would have a thin, "fuzzy" appearance. The other possibilities I can think of would be a few types of parasites (anchor worm - see photo of anchor worms on a black moor: http://home.infostations.com/letitiashen/Fish/Anchor_worm2.jpg , or a gill fluke). These could be treated with an antiparasitic medication like Clout.

Another "odd" thing you could be seeing is an ovipositor. This is usually seen on the females, but the occasional males can get this too. This would be centered on the fish's body on the bottom, right behind the paired fins - see 3rd photo down: http://www.flippersandfins.net/faq.htm#malefemale .

If neither of these seems, likely, there are some additional parasite photos in the links below, along with treatment recommendations:

Answer 2

Sad, but I have no idea on what it could be or what to do for it. I just wanted to stop by and give you some advise, take it or leave it.

Don't clean the fish tank, or get the water on your hands if you have a cut. You could end up getting a sickness that is like tuberculoses only with fish. It seems to be common among beta and if you get it in your skin you could end up with Bacteria Maneria. That's what I got from my beta. Red bumps began to grow out of your skin and you have to have them cut off. If you notice a small green ball of puss growing where you had a cut contact you doctor right away.

Answer 3

It is a fungus and you will need to go get the proper drops from your aquarioum supply store. That is no guarantee that the fish will live.

Answer 4

most likely its just ick. go to the petstore and buy some drops and put them into the water and see if it clears up

Answer 5

fungus