5 Ways to Tell if a Betta Fish Is Sick

Healthy betta fish has unique appearance with bright hues and full streaming fins is a standout amongst the most charming and alluring sights an aquarist can appreciate. They're not troublesome creatures to think about, but because of the popularity it have acquired as a decent fish because of their capacity to flourish in moderate systems, they frequently end up neglected and raised in tanks that are excessively small for them.

Betta fishes are also vulnerable to diseases caused by fungus, bacteria and parasites just like other fishes. To keep a regular check on your betta’s behavior and observing any irregular changes can enable you to recognize, analyze and treat a disease before it ends up deadly.

As usual, water quality is of most extreme significance, and clean water is the absolute most exclusive thing you can give your betta. Consider it like air for you. Without clean air, you, your puppy or feline would be unwell and could experience the ill effects of a wide range of health concerns. The equivalent is valid for fish with their water. Water that is perfect, the correct temperature and the correct pH can have a significant effect for your betta.

Preventing bettas from diseases with clean water, providing them clean and high-quality food is obviously, the best way for keeping your betta healthy and sound, however if you have brought a betta who is already sick, then here are a few practices to keep an eye out for that may show your betta isn't feeling admirably well:

• Torpidity

• Blurred shading

• Declining nourishment

• Toiled relaxing

• Harmed blades.

Common Betta’s Diseases

If your betta fish displays at least one of these unusual behaviors, make sure to give careful consideration and cautiously watch your sick betta fish to rectify the root cause of the disease.

COLUMNARIS

One of the most common diseases that affect betta fishes is Columnaris, also called cotton wool disease. This is a Gram-negative bacterial infection that frequently shows itself as cottony fixes on the body and fins of bettas.

The Columnaris bacterium or Flavobacterium columnare is available in all water, yet except if the fish is infected by imperfect conditions, for example, poor water quality, a lacking eating regimen or shipping mode, it likely won't end up infected.

If you observe Columnaris (Mouth Rot or Saddleback) in your betta fish- keep a check on water and try to do a quick change with clean water and after that follow an anti-microbial and anti-fungal regimen to treat them.

POPEYE IN BETTAS

Popeye also known as exophthalmia is another bacterial infection that causes pressure behind the eyeballs of betta fish and makes fish's eyes protrude. This disease is easier to prevent than to cure. After some time, fishes eyes who suffer from Popeye can turn milky white and can damage also.

In most of the cases, the eyes can fall out or decay. Serious illness, Dirty water, accidents, fighting, inappropriate care can cause Popeye infection in bettas. If both eyes of betta are affected, the cause probably will be internal; but if only one eye is showing prolonged exposure to poor water quality, the reason may be likely injury.

Usually, losing one eye cannot affect a betta fish much. It can prevent by regular water changes and dosing them with an antibiotic regimen including Maracyn.

SWIM BLADDER DISEASE

If your loved betta fish is not swimming appropriately the way it used to, there may be a chance of swim bladder disease. This is a common issue in bettas but not to worry much, it can be easily treated. The swim bladder is like a gas-filled hollow inside your fish. It allows the fish rise and floats lower inside the water just like a buoyancy control tool a diver use in water.

Betta this disease will either float carefully on the surface or they will drown to the bottom of the water. Other symptoms of this disease are an unbalanced body position while swimming, swelling on the stomach and sleepy behavior. Generally, this disease caused by constipation and over-feeding and can easily be cured.

HOLE IN THE HEAD

Hole in the head disease is a common disease in freshwater fishes that specifically affects discus, cichlids and Oscars. Another known name for this disease is Lateral Line Erosion (FHLLE) and Freshwater Head. There are various suspected reasons for this disease and however it can be fatal, if cured early and properly, most betta fishes can survive.

Hole in the Head disease appears like holes in the head above the eyes of the fishes, and usually, this is the result of poor nutrition and water quality. Changing the water regularly, providing antibiotics and a more nutritious diet can prevent this ailment. If maintained and maintained carefully, your betta fish will improve and this disease will not develop in betta again in the future.

ICH DISEASE

Ich disease short form of Ichthyophthirius multifiliis is usually known as white spot disease. It is generally a parasitic infection that appears like sugar has been sprinkled all over betta fish.

This can create an uncomfortable condition for your betta and you can easily identify this disease by observing your fish rubbing its body with objects and try to apart the parasites. This behavior of fish is called flashing. This disease can be treated with malachite green, so make sure to choose a treatment that includes this.

Shifting your betta to a hospital tank is also an ideal approach in this way your betta will stay away from free-swimming parasites and will recover in the best and clean environment.

The best thing you can do to save your betta from hazardous diseases is to provide them with the best water quality. To let your betta healthy and as charming always, you need to regularly change water or use RO water only, feed them nutritious food, keep the temperature above 75 degrees F and make sure that it has a space of at least two gallons. Bettas are most beautiful fishes; take care of them as beautiful because they can become a source of enjoyment for experienced aquarists and novices alike.

Author Bio

Maddy is a Betta fish enthusiast. She draws inspiration for her aquascaping from her travels. She likes water sports, photography, travelling and gaming. She writes for nippyfish.net in her spare time.