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Betta Fish: Why is his tail so tattered?


Hi, my fish’s tailfin seems to be deteriorating. His fins have all grown since I got him, but the tailfin is getting worse. Is this fin rot or something else?

There is also white where his tail fin meets his bottom fin. I have no idea.

The tank has all live plants, no real sharp edges.

Thank you!

https://i.redd.it/ddfrenuguk4g1.jpeg

Posted by Zealousideal-Oil9860

8 Comments

  4. alpacurious on

    This fella’s tail looks a lot like one that I had years ago, I was practically tearing my hair out trying to figure out what was happening. One night I sat with him for an hour and got my answer- he was biting his own tail fin. Unfortunately I never found a solution, it felt like it was impossible to get him to stop once he started. I just did my best to keep it from getting infected and tried to give him other things to do as enrichment.

    I’m only just getting back into betta-keeping after years away from the hobby (my last go of it was when I was a largely uninformed college student), so more knowledgeable folks may spot something else entirely.

  5. Zealousideal-Oil9860 on

    10 gal

    Heater and filtered (hang on back)- 70 degrees

    I tested water- nothing seemed off. When I get home I can test again and post numbers (did not record numbers)

    Change about 25% water weekly

    Feed Terra Betta food once a day

    Decorations are all live plants, driftwood, smooth rocks.

  6. Effective_Pound_4768 on

    Ideal temperature is between 78-80 degrees according to google. He’s definitely cold.

  7. RevolutionaryToe6677 on

    I currently am dealing with the same issue with my rescue – fin nipping. There really isn’t a cure, but maybe some peaceful tank mates like shrimp could help take his focus off of his fins.

  8. Remarkable_Line_7690 on

    What’s his water parameters? Like pH, kH (carbonate hardness), GH (general hardness), ammonia, nitrate, and nitrite? If you know! It may be a stress response to his water parameters. Fin chewing or biting is usually a stress response or boredom, but it is common for bettas with longer fins since the fins get too big and heavy to swim properly. I would also keep an eye out for fin rot.

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