Hi, i saw this deformed spine betta at the fish shop today and felt so bad (borderline about to cry for it in the middle of the shop) so i bought it for about $5!
Id say im pretty new to caring for bettas, and i was wondering if theres anything i should know/do when i put him in a new tank!
He already struggles to swim so swimming up high is really difficult for him since he just sinks back down. Also i wanted to ask if this looks like a permanent deformity or what i read could be from nitrate poisoning? Thanks!
https://i.redd.it/py3lx8r34vvf1.jpeg
Posted by Confident-Acadia2050
1 Comment
I won’t sugarcoat it, caring for sick or disabled bettas as a newbie is challenging. But there are some things you can do. First up, here’s a guide on the basics. And it’s paramount that you get a liquid testing kit (not strips) and research the nitrogen cycle.
https://preview.redd.it/h2072fet5vvf1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=cb4da438ab50bbef0e74640201fe96f61bcdbfd2
It’ll be tricky to tell if this spinal curve is from ammonia or nitrite poisoning if you don’t test the water he came in. What’s his current setup now, and what do you plan on moving him to? For this case I recommend a five gallon long (a tank that’s horizontally wider than it is high), with a floating breeder box kept near the surface. Bettas are labyrinth fish, meaning they can breathe small amounts of oxygen from air. A breeder box will ensure he won’t have to swim too far high to be able breathe. A floating log, leaf hammock, and other decor that provides resting places near the surface will also be beneficial.