A “blow-out” is a term betta breeders and hobbyists use to describe a small hole or tear in the fin tissue caused by spreading or “flaring” of the fins. Torn or frayed fins can be caused by a number of things including bacterial fin rot, injury from tank décor, biting from other fish or even from a betta nipping his own fins. The term blow-out is not used when holes or tearing … [Read more...] about Fin Blow Out
Fin Rot
Treating Tropical Fish with Garlic
The use of garlic as a medicinal aid has been popping up all over internet fish forums since 2009. Betta fish and discus owners in particular have been receptive and have touted its benefits for treating anything from appetite loss to blindness and everything in between. When I start seeing a new remedy gain in popularity without any scientific back-up (even loosely … [Read more...] about Treating Tropical Fish with Garlic
Betta Tail Injured by Aquarium Net
Q: DA wrote, Hello! I have found so much useful information from your site. Thank you for all of the time and hard work that you put into it!I have had this little guy for two weeks. He was in a small bowl, that I did water changes on every 2 days. When I bought him his tail already had a “fringe-y” look to it, but did not seem to be anything wrong to me. He eats good, and has … [Read more...] about Betta Tail Injured by Aquarium Net
Treating Stubburn Fin Rot in Betta Fish
Shelbi with Fin Rot. Image provided by BS Q: BS wrote, My betta fish Shelbi has fin rot now. His water is and has been pristine with the parameters at their perfect spots. He had blackened tips when I bought him but I thought it was just his coloring. Now his fin tips are damaged and broken. I did water changes and checked his water repeatedly before getting medications to … [Read more...] about Treating Stubburn Fin Rot in Betta Fish
Can PH Fluctuations Lead to Illnesses in Betta Fish?
DSCN9841, originally uploaded by starlessdesigns. Q: C wrote, Remember me? I emailed you awhile back about my male fish named Sushi. He had the mysterious disease. He finally had gotten better with the inside/outside anti bacterial food. He was all back to normal. But that only lasted about 3 weeks or so.I have been doing the water changes AND I got the test stripes to test … [Read more...] about Can PH Fluctuations Lead to Illnesses in Betta Fish?
Betta Fish with Lump on his Head
Lump on Betta’s Head provided by LHLH wrote, I’ve seen your site and figured I’d get an opinion on my fish if you don’t mind taking the time. I’ve had him since the end of January and about a month after I got him, he had a spot on his face that just grew. I thought it may have just been a scrape but it hasn’t gotten better, just worse. I tried to avoid medications because I’m … [Read more...] about Betta Fish with Lump on his Head
Betta Fish Poll Results: Which Common Betta Illness has you Stressed?
tema röd, originally uploaded by miluhe. In the last Nippyfish Poll we asked our readers; which common betta illness has you stressed? The results are in and they are all over the board. 54% (13 Votes) Fin Rot 25% (6 Votes) Swim Bladder Disorder 12% (3 Votes) Parasites (Ich, Velvet, Etc.) 20% (5 Votes) Fungus (Cotton Wool or Others) 20% (5 Votes) Dropsy 16% (4 Votes) … [Read more...] about Betta Fish Poll Results: Which Common Betta Illness has you Stressed?
Can Betta Fish Regrow their Fins?
Jack White, originally uploaded by Tiara Damage. Q: NR wrote, Can bettas regrow their fins? A: Yes, bettas will regrow their fin tissue once it has been lost due to fin rot, physical injury, or tail biting. When the new fin tissue begins to grow it is often clear resembling Saran Wrap and very thin. Over time the regrowth will begin to look more like regular fin tissue … [Read more...] about Can Betta Fish Regrow their Fins?
New Betta Fish Isn’t Very Active
Daffodil, originally uploaded by hypnotic_mist. EP Wrote, Hi Christie! First off, thanks so much for taking the time to read this, it’s a big help! I bought a betta last Friday, (Davey Jones) and I find he’s been acting strange ever since I got him home. Granted, I do know each individual fish is different, so maybe I’m being paranoid! But since getting him; the first … [Read more...] about New Betta Fish Isn’t Very Active
The 4 Most Common Signs of Illness in Betta Fish
Sick betta fish can be cured, much of the time, if you can figure out what is ailing your betta. Tiny white speckles, like sugar granules are probably a sign of Ich parasites while swollen body with puffed out scales is likely a signal your betta has Dropsy. Fins melting away? Fin rot is probably to blame but what if these obvious symptoms of disease aren’t present? What if … [Read more...] about The 4 Most Common Signs of Illness in Betta Fish