I saw this little fella while I was getting supplies for a tank I’m building. They looked so sad, and the fins look damaged, so I’m worried about health. Because of how beat up they look, I have them in a smaller 2.5 Gal tank to monitor recovery, and plan to rehome into the larger 5 Gal tank in progress (plants are still establishing) after I see some improvements on the fins. But what should I do in the meantime to help recovery along? Aside from fish fights, I’ve never seen the fins look so torn up… especially on the top and back fins. Photos for reference, any guidance is welcome and appreciated! 🙏🏽
https://www.reddit.com/gallery/1qfu27g
Posted by DennyDevino
7 Comments
You saved this little guy!!! I’m sure he’s going to be absolutely beautiful after proper care and an awesome environment!!! Maybe some meds for the poor baby 🙁
I can not wait to see his glow-up!!!!!
Edit to add: I am no expert, I can give no advice :/ I just love that you saved this guy and am happy that you can give him a home.
Sorry for not being able to help.
I’m glad they turned for that second photo. Really captures the look they gave me in the heat of the moment. “You can’t just LEAVE me here!”
awww poor thing :(. Post an update when he gets better
https://preview.redd.it/ydgzqwkf11eg1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=14ddb0c78a897cfe788e9d141af401a02b9272cc
Their fins have a little “iridescence” to some of the lighter scaled areas, but is that discoloration or is that natural? 🥲
https://preview.redd.it/bxir9abp11eg1.jpeg?width=4284&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5fad074fe83f30475162cdd727a8852a9bd64250
Aside from the fin damage, they’re VERY curious. Swims up and down ok, and at one point I saw them “riding the current” around the bowl (whee!) so the fin damage doesn’t seem to be too bothersome from first look. I still can’t tell if it’s previous fights or fin rot, but they’re acclimating to their new home outside of cup world quite well so far.
Night 1 😅🥲 welcome “Jasper”
For care I would suggest adding a heater (if you don’t have one). I keep my tanks at 78°F. I would also suggest getting indian almond leaves for the severe fin rot. I just bought these for my new alien betta. You can leave them in the tank or boil a few, then pour the room temp. water into the tank if you want a more concentrated brew.
https://a.co/d/1y5xBbT
Good luck and thank you for saving him!
Hopefully he recovers on his own but if fins are not looking better and are continuing to “melt” then he might need antibiotics