Betta Losing Scales

[ReiRei]

Woke up this morning to see that Oliver has small patches of scales missing. Also, his scales don't seem to be as smooth as they should be. Any ideas? I doubt its an ornament causing this.

30 litre tank, water changed every 3 - 4 days.

 

[Blondielovesfish]

Is it possible that its dropsy? Do his scales look a bit like a pine cone?

 

[ReiRei]

They're not as bad as being pine coned, just slightly uneven. No sign of bloated stomach either

 

[Blondielovesfish]

Hmm, I really hope its not dropsy! I'm not sure what else to suggest, but hopefully someone will be along shortly to offer you more help.

 

[Wildbetta]

Can you get a pic of the scales?  That is about the only way to tell what is wrong.  It could be a parasite that has gotten under the scales or he might have rubbed against something the wrong way.  

 

[ReiRei]

Tried my best and ended up with : (He's not usually sideways, It only happens occasionally.)
 

 
 
And here's one of him upright. Compared to Sinbad and Sebastian, his scales are very obvious. Best pics I could get.
You can also see the stomach size in the one below
 

 
You can't really see the missing patches there, they are just marks that are red where there are no scales.

 

[Wildbetta]

Hmm hard to tell.  I would just watch it and make sure that it doesn't get worse

 

[ReiRei]

Slightly more sociable today. Wondering if the fact he occasionally leans on the heater could cause scales missing?

 

[Wildbetta]

It most definitely could.  I have heard of bettas ending up with heater burns as well.