It is inevitable that our betta will fall sick either due to water quality or handling. Knowledge of the nature of the symptoms and basic treatment procedure is important if one were to enjoy this hobby. We can send dogs or cats to vets if our pets fall sick. For fish we just have to be our own vets … I have not heard of Fish Vets , have you ?

The best disease prevention is a careful maintenance schedule. Keep the water clean , provide adequate and proper diet. Observation is the best precaution. Loss of color and or appetite , inactivity , droopiness , or abnormal behavior are among the first signs. Other symptoms include swelling , fin rotting and fungus that are visible.

Fin rot is usually due to poor water condition resulting from accumulation of uneaten food or other waste matter. Aquarium salt will normally help.

Swim bladder trouble is very common to bettas. This makes them having difficulty rising to the surface for air. After a struggle to reach the top and air is inhaled , the fish falls back to the bottom , unable to maintain its buoyancy. Swim bladder can be due to excessive feeding or injury during fights or shipping.

Betta fries are very prone to velvet. Symptoms include tiny yellow specs covering the body , fins , or gills.

For most of the betta diseases I usually try aquarium salt with water change. Occasionally I add Malachite green , Methylene blue , Acriflavine or Coppersafe for more serious conditions.

We shall review and discuss the various types of betta fish diseases and its prevention and treatment in detail in the next few posts in this category.

betta fish disease