Common Betta Diseases
The betta, more popularly known as the Siamese fighting fish, is a much sought-after aquarium fish that is renowned for its eye-catching colors and beautiful fins. This freshwater fish is known to have been native to Thailand but can now be found in pet stores offering aquarium-grade fish all over the world. Males are often placed in smaller tanks separate from one another to avoid any sort of aggression that may lead to fighting. However, experts believe that even female bettas have shown to be aggressive and placing large groups together is often discouraged as well as intermingling with males.
Aquarium fish have been known to be susceptible to a number of diseases and the betta is no different. One of the most common betta diseases has to do with fungal or bacterial infection and this can often manifest through the appearance of cotton-like patches on the fish’s head or body. It can also affect the fins and the fish may lose its appetite and become sluggish in the aquarium. Because this is a contagious disease, it is important that the water in the aquarium be changed immediately and anti-fungus treatment be added and then changed again every few days.
Among the betta diseases, ick or ich is probably considered one of the most persistent and can be difficult to get rid of completely. It is also known as the white spot disease because of the appearance of the most common symptom related to it: white spots. A betta fish infected with ick does not necessarily have to be transferred to a different bowl or aquarium even though the disease is extremely contagious. The best thing to do would be to raise the temperature of the water to about 85 degrees Fahrenheit since ick cannot survive high temperatures.
Other common betta diseases include tail rot, fin rot, pop eye, dropsy, and velvet with dropsy being the most fatal as there is no known cure for it. The best thing to do when it comes to bettas getting sick is to know the symptoms related to the diseases and to begin treatment right away. A complete change of water in the aquarium is often required and there may be times where the sick or infected betta will have to be quarantined so having an extra bowl or tank is recommended. A lot of diseases are curable when treated immediately.