What's Wrong with My Betta?

eeyipes

eeyipes

AC Members
Jun 11, 2008
175
1
18
Washington IA
Something is wrong with my betta :( The scales around his head are swollen or puffy and look as though they've been compacted with powdered sugar - that's the best way I can describe it. It doesn't look like ick, it's not white spots and it's not fuzzy. I'm at a loss of what it could be, I've never seen a sick fish look like this. Other than looking a little ugly, he's acting fine - eating well and active. Any idea what could be wrong?

I've isolated him in a 5 gal and just started treating him with malachite green but I really don't know if it will do him any good. Here's a pic, sorry it's a bit fuzzy, but you can see how his scales look puffy with white stuff compacted inbetween.

Thanks for any help!

sickbetta1.jpg
 
Looks like he almost got his head stuck in something. Is there anychance that he could have been injured by something in the tank?
 
One thing that I used for a Wal-Mart rescuee I have is either Ampicillin or Tetracyline. They are both antibiotics. It looks like he has some kind of bacterial infection. You can use it with the malachite green as well, just don't overdose. If there is a filter on the tank, take out the media. Then every 3 days do full water changes. Yes, you will have to cycle the tank again when he's better, but if you are using that tank as a hospital tank, then cycling is pretty much secondary as water changes are part of the healing anyway.
 
Well, the only thing I've been able to find locally this week was some Fungus Clear. I've been treating him with that since Monday - 1/2 tablet to 5 gallons. While it looks as though some of the white stuff may be disappearing, his head is still lumpy looking. Would it be overkill to use the malachite green in conjunction with the fungus clear? Tomorrow is the fourth day, and according to directions time for a water change and retreat.
 
No that shouldn't be an issue. I have used them together. I have also noticed that when they are used together the fungus dies quicker, and the healing time is faster. However my rule of thumb was to medicate, water changes every 3 days, for 2-3 weeks depending on how stubborn the fungus or bacteria is.
 
Then maybe I'll do his water change tonight and try both medications. Should make for some funky colored water :) I couldn't find BettaFix nearby, but I did buy some online and it should come soon.
 
An online place called bettatalk.com sells a nice fishy first aid kit. I think it's around 25.00 or so. That is where I got my stuff for the ones who become sickly. Simply because with the Wal-Mart rescuees, aside from the fish, you never know what else you are going to get.....
 
I saw your RV fishys, that's just wild! I showed my husband, and he got real worried and said "No way your puttin YOUR fish in MY RV!" lol!
 
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