I've got a male Betta whose fins keep disappearing - they turn translucent and shorten, then they heal, then they fade and shorten again. He swims just fine, looks otherwise healthy and doesn't seem to be in any pain, but it bothers me to see him like this. I've checked his chemicals over and over but they're all right. He's only got smooth plants in his tank. This has been going on for months. Is this normal? Has anyone else seen this happen? I've tried treating him with BettaFix, but it only brings temporary regrowth. This has me baffled. Would appreciate advice or reassurance.
Vanishing fins, clueless as to why
- Thread starter Silverfish97
- Start date
I assume you mean the parameters like pH, ammonia etc? Are you using a liquid test kit or strips? And what are the actually numbers please, "all right" is too vague.
What size tank? Temp? How long has the tank been setup? Water change schedule?
Pictures are very helpful.
If the Bettafix works then you're probably dealing with a bacterial infection which is what we know "fin rot" to be. How many rounds of treatment have you done? (full 7 days right?)
He lives by himself. Five gallons, filtered, stays at about 74 degrees. The tank has been running for two years. To be honest I'm not the most religious water changer - I add water to replace evaporation as needed, but only siphon and change about every two weeks at best. Current levels I'll check and post shortly, along with a photo of him.
I used Bettafix for a week a few months ago. He looked fine for a while, but the issue returned. I have a second bottle and was about to treat him, haven't done so yet.
I used Bettafix for a week a few months ago. He looked fine for a while, but the issue returned. I have a second bottle and was about to treat him, haven't done so yet.
His tank has quite a bit of algae, I know. It's near a window, so he gets a fair amount of indirect sunlight (I keep the shades turned so that he doesn't get it directly).
Current chemical levels, tested with a liquid test kit:
pH: 6.6
Ammonia: 0ppm
Nitrites: 0.50ppm or maybe a bit more, the color's a touch iffy
Nitrates: Between 0 and 5ppm, I'd guess 2ppm.
This is not what he had last time I checked, which was about three weeks ago (just had surgery, haven't been as scrupulous as I should).
I'm going to change some of the water and get rid of this week's algae crop.
Current chemical levels, tested with a liquid test kit:
pH: 6.6
Ammonia: 0ppm
Nitrites: 0.50ppm or maybe a bit more, the color's a touch iffy
Nitrates: Between 0 and 5ppm, I'd guess 2ppm.
This is not what he had last time I checked, which was about three weeks ago (just had surgery, haven't been as scrupulous as I should).
I'm going to change some of the water and get rid of this week's algae crop.
Yeah, I'm not worried he's mortally ill, I'm just confused by that translucent part because it seems to change in length. Is that normal?
I'm not a better expert, but it could be somewhat genetic to that fish. Or a part of how they look based on light pigment. The best thing for fin rot, IMO, is consistent water changes. Maybe next week, check the water levels before and after the water change for reference. And if you haven't done so in a while, check your tap also. I have had betters that looked less colorful depending on the viewing point and lighting and if stressed for some reason.
