betta fish diseases

Betta fish very popularly known among all those who appreciate nature’s beautiful creations are small, vibrant and colorful fishes that are usually grown in aquariums or fish tanks. Blessed with a unique organ called labyrinth these fishes can breathe in oxygen of the air rather than the one dissolved in water. Very easy to care and breed they are popularly known aquarium fishes that can be easily found at most stores. Although proper care and cleanliness can help them thrive healthily but the betta fishes can get affected by a number of diseases.

The very commonly found diseases in this species of fish are Fin rot disease, Ich, Fungus diseases, velvet diseases, dropsy , Popeye and also the swim bladder disease. While the different diseases have different symptoms but finding out that the fish is suffering from any ailment can help in saving its life with greater chances.

The betta fish disease like the fin rot disease can arise due to the poorly and un-hygienically maintained water conditions or due to the presence of certain obstacles like plants etc in the tank. Changing the water regularly and cleaning the tank are some factors that can avoid the occurrence of this disease greatly. The other disease that is Ich can result due to frequent water temperature fluctuation that is caused by a protozoan parasite. Thus, maintaining a constant temperature around 80 degree Fahrenheit and adding sodium chloride or salt can prevent the occurrence of infection and thus this disease in betta fishes.

The fungus diseases in betta fishes can occur due to poor water conditions where white patches appear on the fish surface and the disease being very contagious can quickly spread to all the other fishes in the tank. Adding common salt or sodium chloride to the water in the tank can avoid this disease from harming the betta fishes. The other one that can happen due to the poor quality and maintenance of water is the velvet disease that has a prominent symptom of yellowish and patchy marks appearing on the fish’s body. Cleaning the infected tank by draining the water completely and washing the same with copper sulphate solution can help in the fishes getting diseased further due to this.

Being aware about the various symptoms can help in early diagnoses of the disease in betta fishes and can thus help in increasing its survival by following the necessary steps and methods. Thus, daily examination can be a great way to know that your fish is healthy and free of any potential hazard that can otherwise kill these tiny creatures very easily.