Betta Fish Facts

If only Betta fish could talk, then perhaps we would know exactly what was wrong and how to treat it. Since this is simply not the case, there are several signs that can tell you if your betta fish are healthy or if (taking a quote from NASA) your betta is shouting "Houston, we have a problem".

• First of all, just like any pet, if you betta fish is eating well, then chances are good that it is healthy and happy. A betta fish that doesn't eat is the first step of noticing an issue.
• If your betta fish is active, swimming around then you can take it as a good sign. However, if you find your betta fish is not moving around (for instance, he simply sits at the bottom, occasionally coming up for air or hangs in a corner), then there might be an issue.
• If the belly of the fish looks swollen, then this could be a sign that your fish might have problems.
• You are also going to want "smooth" scales on your fish. If they look "scaly" then there might be problems.
• I may be stating the obvious but if your betta fish has open sores, white spots (ick disease possibly) or any other protusions or color, then it is likely your fish is in need of care.
• Also, if you note strange behavior such as the fish trying to rub itself on rocks, the side of the aquarium or anything else, then you might want to investigate.
• Your betta fish's fins should look to be spread out like fans. Anything else and there is likely an issue.
• If you notice the eyes are protruding or look swollen, then you may want to check into it as well.

This is just a short list but you get the picture. Diseases happen to our aquatic friends. If we can diagnose the problem and catch it early, it will prevent waking up one morning and spotting a floater.

Labels: betta fish diseases