Got A Sick Beta Fish?
When it comes to having a sick beta fish, the old saying is true “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Knowing proper beta fish care can prevent most health problems but sometimes they come down with something anyway. Just like kids, we can’t protect them from everything no matter how hard we try. So with that in mind here are a few common beta fish illnesses and the symptoms to watch for:
Watch For These Common Signs Of Beta Fish Illness:
- Body of fish is shaking
- Fish is hiding in corners
- Fins aren’t normal
- Fish stays at top of bowl or tank gasping for air
- Fish keeps rubbing against tank decorations
- Abnormal swimming patterns
- Fish stays at bottom
- Fish is on its side
Beta Fish Parasite Problems:
- Ich – small white dots covering body
- Intestinal parasites – worms showing through vent
- Pop Eye – protruding eyes, can include a haze over them
- Velvet disease – gold or copper colored film on body
Beta Fish Diseases:
- Dropsy – swollen, boated body and eyes
- Fin Rot – ragged fins or inflamed rays
- Slime Disease – shaky swimming pattern and gray coating on body
- Swim Bladder Disease – strange swimming patterns
Beta Fish Conditions:
- Constipation – bloated body coupled with inactivity
The earlier you catch the symptoms the easier it will be to treat your beta – so don’t delay. You should be able to find treatments available at the pet store. If your beta fish is in a tank with other fish be sure to remove and isolate any sick fish, as many of these ailments are contagious.
Click here to see the “Betta Care Made Easy” book I use if I need to know any treatments. This way I don’t have to just trust the pet store personnel. Knowing how to give our little Sparkey the proper environment has gone a long way in preventing any illnesses in the first place.
