Betta Lost Half His Tail Within The Day

[manofish123]

My Betta seems to have lost almost half of his back tail fins overnight. No other fish in with him, daily water changes, and perfectly healthy and active. He was ok in the morning and by evening half of his tail fins were gone. I'm not sure what fin rot is but I cant imagine going this fast. There was a fairly rough rock in with him and I'v taken this out thinking maybe he was rubbing up on it. Water flow is fairly fast and he loves to lean up against the intake slots of the filter. Would either of these things done it. Makes me sick that he's lost a good part of his tail, but like I said otherwise he's active and happy.
Seen where salt helps and also read where not to do anything but to keep the water clean which I do anyway. Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[Alm0stAwesome]

Would you be able to get a picture? Some bettas start to bite their own tails and this could be what happened or, as you say it was damaged by the filter.

 

[manofish123]

Would you be able to get a picture? Some bettas start to bite their own tails and this could be what happened or, as you say it was damaged by the filter.

I"ll have to read on how to download the pics I have of the before and after. Took them on my cell phone.

 

[Alm0stAwesome]

Upload them to a photo hosting site like photobucket and use the IMG code provided to post the picture here

 

[crazyforcordoras]

Maybe hes got fin rot.

 

[Alm0stAwesome]

It doesn't happen that fast, he could certianly develop it now though

 

[manofish123]

Would you be able to get a picture? Some bettas start to bite their own tails and this could be what happened or, as you say it was damaged by the filter.

Would you be able to get a picture? Some bettas start to bite their own tails and this could be what happened or, as you say it was damaged by the filter.

 

[Alm0stAwesome]

Wow, well there is actually a decent amount on fin damage in the first pic so it's not all so sudden maybe.

I would do two things. I'd turn down the flow from your filter (however a healthy betta should not be struggling with the filter I shouldn't think). The second thing, is up to you really. You can do daily water changes to keep the water scrupulously clean and keep a very close eye on him for signs of finrot - OR- you can go ahead and start a dosing melafix, just by following the directions on the bottle. It's just whatever you feel comfortable with.

Do you have any plastic plants in the tank? It's good that you removed the rock if you think it may have contributed to the problem but plastic plants can sometimes cause tears as well.

Also keep an eye on him to make sure he isn't biting his tail Out of curiosity, what sized tank is it?

 

[manofish123]

Wow, well there is actually a decent amount on fin damage in the first pic so it's not all so sudden maybe.

I would do two things. I'd turn down the flow from your filter (however a healthy betta should not be struggling with the filter I shouldn't think). The second thing, is up to you really. You can do daily water changes to keep the water scrupulously clean and keep a very close eye on him for signs of finrot - OR- you can go ahead and start a dosing melafix, just by following the directions on the bottle. It's just whatever you feel comfortable with.

Do you have any plastic plants in the tank? It's good that you removed the rock if you think it may have contributed to the problem but plastic plants can sometimes cause tears as well.

Also keep an eye on him to make sure he isn't biting his tail Out of curiosity, what sized tank is it?

Its a 3 gallon with one real plant and a couple of small smooth rocks (now). I change the water daily at about 50% and the water flow is directed such that he can get out of the flow in most of the tank. Think I'll just keep an eye on him as he's other wise healthy and active. I'm actually waiting for a 9 gallon to cycle so I can tranfer him. I"v never caught him biting his own tail so I'm at a loss for just how this happened this fast.

 

[Alm0stAwesome]

OK, well good luck! And let us know how he does It's amazing how fast they can heal in the right conditions

 

[manofish123]

OK, well good luck! And let us know how he does It's amazing how fast they can heal in the right conditions

I do appreciate your advice though and will begin treatment if he begins to get worse. He's my lil buddy and he has a great
personality.

 

[LucyB]

My male betta is constantly shredding his own tail! I have moved him to his own tank, moved the decorations, medicated - You name it! I cannot win with him! He won't stop - I guess i'll just have to live with half a betta...