Betta Fish: Thrown From a Car and Rescued

Hey everyone!

This little guy had one rough week. An co-worker of mine watched someone not only steal him but throw him out a car window as well. Since they knew I have fish tanks, they brought him to me after asking if I could take him. The photo that shows him in a cup is when I got him at work the rest are from his new tank at home. The transformation in his colors is amazing already, and funny enough he flairs at my husband but not me when I approach his tank.

We’re torn between naming him Beren or Einar (def open to opinions)

I’ve kept bettas before, and thankfully I had cycled media ready, so his tank’s parameters are stable. I’ve been testing daily (day 5 so far, I plan to do it for two more days) to be safe.

His setup: 5.5 gal tank, sand, almond leaves, sponge filter, heater, and a fake plant. I use my 5.5 gallon tank typically for incoming fish and it hasn’t been used in months since I haven’t bought any new fish and I sterilized it just to be safe.

Once he’s more comfortable, I plan to add spider wood (already sanded smooth) and live plants. I’m probably overthinking things, but after what he’s been through, I just want to do everything right.

Overall my questions are:

Would adding a black background to the back and sides help reduce stress?

How long should I wait before I begin quarantine medication (bacterial, fungal, parasitic Aquarium co-op protocol)

Does he look like a Comb tail or Crown tail, or could this be fin rot?(I have meds if needed).

For long fins would 5.5 g or 10 g tank be better since they have to put more effort into swimming than short fin betas?

Any other suggestions to help him feel more secure or relaxed?