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Betta Diseases & Infections
Even with the best of care, a Betta can occasionally become ill. It is vital that you become familiar with his normal behavioural patterns so that you can detect even the slightest change that may be indicative of the onset of disease. If you familiarize yourself with the symptoms of Betta diseases, you will be able to determine whether he is facing a health crisis as opposed to just having an “off” day. Dropsy
Symptoms: Fin & Tail Rot
Symptoms: Popeye
Symptoms: Gill Diseases
Symptoms: Ick
Symptoms: Fungal Infections
Symptoms: Velvet
Symptoms: Swim Bladder Disorder
Symptoms:
Once an illness is confirmed, the Betta must be isolated from anyone he shares his water with, even if he was "separated" from them by a partition. You may even wish to consider simultaneously treating his companions if you know that the disease or infection is a highly contagious one. Now, if his regular home was a quart jar, place him in a new, clean jar and give him 100% new water. Be sure to completely sanitize everything (even your hands) that the Betta has come into contact with. This will help to prevent spreading whatever it is that you are helping him to battle.
Although there are a number of choices for treatment products, we mainly use the ones available through Mardel Laboratories since these are readily available in our area. While virtually any product line will work, we will be listing the diseases under the product that works to clear them up. If interested in obtaining some, this line of aquatic medicines are available in most large pet stores, such as Petsmart. If you choose to use another product line, that is perfectly fine…just be sure to follow that company’s instructions on dosage.
There has been controversy on whether the addition of aquarium salt to a Betta’s tank is truly necessary or beneficial. We do add it to all of our tanks at a ratio of 1 tablespoon per 5 gallons of water. Studies and experience with it lead us to believe that this is an inexpensive preventative measure when used in conjunction with frequent water changes. Finally, if you have questions about anything read here, please e-mail us at the link provided on our pages.
Unusually large abdomen and protruding scales, may also have clamped fins.
Treatment:
Maracyn-Two.
While there is a very low success rate, at least there is one. It is worth trying. When it was introduced into our tanks by a well-meaning breeder a few years back, exactly 30 Bettas were struck by this. With immediate treatment, approximately 33% (9) survived. This surely beat zero!!! :-)
Fins that are ragged and brittle looking. Betta appears to have been battling with himself.
Treatment:
Maracyn-Two.
This is often caused by dirty water so, if you wish to avoid dealing with this, be sure to keep up the regular water changes.
Cloudy eye(s) that look as though they are going to fall out of their sockets. Occasionally, they do!
Treatment:
Maracyn-Two.
Once again, this is typically due to dirty water and can be prevented. Once cleared up, be sure to keep up the cleaning. A final note concerning eye loss: even if it were to occur, the Betta can continue living a long, successful life.
Gills that are red and inflamed due to possible bacterial infection or even high nitrates. The afflicted Betta may become lethargic and appear to be gasping for air, even though it is a top breather.
Treatment:
Maracyn-Two
Once again, keep your water clean. As you are now seeing, there is a good reason for doing the tedious water changes…it prevents a host of troubles!
Little white dots all over the Betta’s body, potential for loss of appetite and lethargy.
Treatment:
Aquarisol
This highly contagious external parasite will quickly spread to most (if not all) members in a community tank. The good news is that this parasite cannot withstand the short term high temperatures that your Betta can! Raise the tank's water temperature to 85 degrees Farenheight and add one drop of the Aquarisol per day until everyone is cured. This may take a few days. Of course, if you see that your Betta is stressed by the change in temperature, discontinue the terperature increase (allow water to cool at it's own pace) and continue with just the medicinal route.
White, cottony patches on any part of the Bettas body…more noticeable on the dark coloured fish.
Treatment:
MarOxy
Use in combination with salt at the ratio of 1 teaspoon of aquarium salt per 2 1/2 Gal of water. Chances are that if you have already been in the habit of using salt in your tank, you will probably never see fungus.
Betta appears to have been dusted with something. Highly contagious.
Treatment:
Maracide
Again, use in combination with salt at the ratio of 1 teaspoon of aquarium salt per 2 1/2 Gal of water. This tiny parasite is difficult to see which will make diagnosis quite difficult. You usually need a strong light to spot it. This is yet another condition which supports the belief that using salt in your normal routine will help prevent an occurrence.
Erratic swimming, lying on side while at the top of the tank due to inflammation of the swim bladder (organ that allows free swimming). Reminds owner of a very young, mobile child with a middle ear infection.
Treatment:
Feed less often and discontinue use of Brine Shrimp
Though Bettas love BBS, this is the only live food known to be a trigger. These should always be offered sparingly and never while the Betta is symptomatic. Recovery is likely with the proper care. That said, there seems to be a theoretic connection between the heavy usage of live worms and SWD, too. Therefore, you may wish to use these at your own discression.
Last updated: 15 April 2002
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