Question about Beta Fishies

[Angeldove97]

My roommate has a beta fish, which is a couple months old (basically he's an April baby). Today we found that he was missing a part of his tail (the back fin) which we found part of it at the bottom of his tank. So we're wondering what might cause this to happen (roomie flipped out when she saw it).

The fish gets fed every day, so we don't think he's hungry. And he does have 2 structures in his tank which he may have caught the fin on and tore it.

I'm just wondering if anybody had any information on beta fish and why their tails shred and what we might do to prevent this from happening.

Thanks

 

[K9_Trainer]

Your probably right in your assumption that it got caught on something. Do you have a filter? That could have done it also.

The only other thing I can think of that might cause something like that is fin rot, which is caused by a fungi. It will cause the fins to shrivel up and get pretty ugly and even fall off. I suggest researching it and looking at pics to determine if that is what is wrong with the betta. If it is, then you can buy the proper fungicide from petsmart or petco.

Things you can do to prevent it...make sure that any caves have a large enough opening so the betta doesn't have to squeeze through. If it was from the filter, get an undergravel filter. Rigid plastic plants could possible cause it too, then you can just go find a softer, more flexible plant.

 

[fuzzyh]

I don't recommend a undergravel filter to most people. They are just too easy to screw up. I use one and have enjoyed it, but it took some time to get one going right. I did have an occassion where my nitrates sky rocketed due to me not cleaning the gravel on the tank.

Out of curiousity what is the size of the tank? 10 gallon or less? If so one thing you might consider is a live plant. Something like Lucky Bamboo, which is a plant that likes to have the bottom of it submerced in water, or Java Moss which is an underwater mossy plant. This will give you decorations that help the water stay clean, especially helpful in smaller tanks.

More than, likely it just got caught. Fish fins heal well. I've got a Green Spotted Puffer who used to have all sorts of missing chunks out of their fins. They have all healed up very well.

Also, you might consider feeding the Betta every other day. It will help keep the water cleaner and give your fish a longer better life. Again refering to my puffer, he gets fed basically when ever people are over. Between 1 per day to 1 per 3 days. Keeps him very active looking for food.

 

[Angeldove97]

Thanks for the advice. My roommate is going to look more into it but the fish seems to be doing really well.