Betta with an eye-deformity. Should I buy?

[Huscarl86]

I am thinking about buying this Betta, she has an eye-deformity...

As you can see this Betta has a cataract-type eye deformity. The seller has this to say;

"she has an almost covered eye, she can still see. she is healthy swimming and eats well. Absolutely Stunning Female Halfmoon yellow gold Platinum betta fish, 7 months old. She will keep growing until fully grown at 9 months. This fish comes from clean disease free tanks."

Does anyone know what this is? Am I asking for problems? Will it get sick/die, or is this just a cosmetic deformity?

Thanks a lot,
Carl.

 

[FishBearer9845]

I would! Although it’s not the eye I’d be concerned about, it’s the little pits in her head. @Colin_T

 

[Huscarl86]

I would! Although it’s not the eye I’d be concerned about, it’s the little pits in her head. @Colin_T

Hello, thanks for the reply. I did notice that, but didn't think too much of it. Do you know what that is?

EDIT: Looks like it could be fairly mild 'Hole in the head' disease?

 

[FishBearer9845]

Honestly no, but the fact it’s not normal would be a concern. I’m a softie though and would buy her anyway. My betta is only one eyed so I have an affinity with less than perfect fish

 

[Huscarl86]

I suggested to the seller that it could be 'Hole in the head' disease, and asked to see a video of the fish swimming and feeding, here's the reply I got;

"Hi, this is normal from the bettas. Contact me tomorrow on my group from the app.
And I'll send for you the video of her.
She's completely fine. "

Sounds legit, but hopefully someone else can shed some light on the pitting before I make a decision.

 

[AdoraBelle Dearheart]

I wouldn't, just not worth the risk.

 

[Tez_20]

Hello, thanks for the reply. I did notice that, but didn't think too much of it. Do you know what that is?

EDIT: Looks like it could be fairly mild 'Hole in the head' disease?

Actually for the two problems the betta as, you would think the owner would give it a good home freely.

 

[Colin_T]

I wouldn't buy it.

Bettas don't get hole in the head disease.

 

[itiwhetu]

I wouldn't touch it. Find another fish that is perfect.

 

[Huscarl86]

Actually for the two problems the betta as, you would think the owner would give it a good home freely.

I was thinking about that, and telling the seller I will pay the postage, and adopt the Betta instead of buying her. I do not think they will go for that, but I may make the offer and then leave it a couple of weeks or even longer, to see if they cave in.

I wouldn't buy it.

Bettas don't get hole in the head disease.

Thanks for the advice, Colin. Not doubting your knowledge, but the research I did on it last night suggests that they do:

Betta - Hole in the head

I do not know what to think and will need to do a bit more research and hopefully get some more definitive answers.

I wouldn't touch it. Find another fish that is perfect.

But... she needs a home . In all seriousness nothing is perfect in this world.

There are really only 3 options for this fish; either somebody buys her, or she stays in the little display tank for the rest of her life (which actually isn't a viable option at all), or she gets euthanised which I think would be completely unfair without knowing a bit more about what's affecting her.

 

[Gypsy Tart]

I was thinking about that, and telling the seller I will pay the postage, and adopt the Betta instead of buying her. I do not think they will go for that, but I may make the offer and then leave it a couple of weeks or even longer, to see if they cave in.


But... she needs a home . In all seriousness nothing is perfect in this world.

There are really only 3 options for this fish; either somebody buys her, or she stays in the little display tank for the rest of her life (which actually isn't a viable option at all), or she gets euthanised which I think would be completely unfair without knowing a bit more about what's affecting her.

Yes, some kind soul should adopt it. Animals are like people, when they are ill or vulnerable they need even more compassison and help.

 

[itiwhetu]

I was thinking about that, and telling the seller I will pay the postage, and adopt the Betta instead of buying her. I do not think they will go for that, but I may make the offer and then leave it a couple of weeks or even longer, to see if they cave in.



Thanks for the advice, Colin. Not doubting your knowledge, but the research I did on it last night suggests that they do:

Betta - Hole in the head

I do not know what to think and will need to do a bit more research and hopefully get some more definitive answers.



But... she needs a home . In all seriousness nothing is perfect in this world.

There are really only 3 options for this fish; either somebody buys her, or she stays in the little display tank for the rest of her life (which actually isn't a viable option at all), or she gets euthanised which I think would be completely unfair without knowing a bit more about what's affecting her.

Put like that, buy her, give her the love she needs.

 

[Gypsy Tart]

@Huscarl86

When you say postage, how is the fish shipped ?

 

[Huscarl86]

@Huscarl86

When you say postage, how is the fish shipped ?

I was concerned about that and did ask the seller, they told me:

" Hi, for transportation we are using polystyrene box with heat pack and well protect."

They are sent via "Express" next day delivery.

I had a look through the feedback:

I read through them aswell, this person ONLY sells Bettas, and whatever they are doing seems to be working, as they have had only one neutral response about a fish who arrived with swim bladder.

As I've said, it's not something I've ever considered doing, and I don't particularly like it, but this fish is a special case for me. I wasn't even planning on getting another one until the new year, until I saw this one and took pity on it.

 

[Gypsy Tart]

I was concerned about that and did ask the seller, they told me:

" Hi, for transportation we are using polystyrene box with heat pack and well protect."

They are sent via "Express" next day delivery.

I had a look through the feedback:

View attachment 120365

I read through them aswell, this person ONLY sells Bettas, and whatever they are doing seems to be working, as they have had only one neutral response about a fish who arrived with swim bladder.

As I've said, it's not something I've ever considered doing, and I don't particularly like it, but this fish is a special case for me. I wasn't even planning on getting another one until the new year, until I saw this one and took pity on it.

I would imagine that there are many people who have the necessary expertise on this forum who would know whether you can 'post' a living creature.

I certainly would do everything possible to adopt it. If not, I'm sure that nobody will buy it and the man may just leave it to die. I suppose that your location is too far for you to go and rescue it ? Poor thing, it deserves to have a happy life.

How much will it cost you to save it?