about curling around the leaves... he might just be playing with it... or itching itself. I think you may have fin rot... otherwise, in my own experiences, if you have other fishes in the same tank, then they may be nipping at the betta. My betta was nipped several times before I noticed that the littler fishes were attacking it. Bettas usually don't attack other species of fish, however they will chase and scare away the fish. Seperate him from the other fishes with a divider or just put him in a bowl.
Betta's tail
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Kiarra
Former Betta Breeder
Trying to mate with them? 
Hilarious notion, but I don't really think so. Then again, someone around here had a Betta that was trying to mate with I think a pleco....
More likely, he's weaving his way through it because he's bored and playing, or he's curling himself around the leaves to rest. They sleep in some awful strange positions sometimes.
Hilarious notion, but I don't really think so. Then again, someone around here had a Betta that was trying to mate with I think a pleco....More likely, he's weaving his way through it because he's bored and playing, or he's curling himself around the leaves to rest. They sleep in some awful strange positions sometimes.
FishEnthusiast
Fish Herder
I don't know if this is applicable or true, but I recently read somewhere that when a betta gets older their tails sometimes "blow up". When I saw your post I immediately thought of that article. If I am way off base, please someone correct me. If not could that be a possibility? He is 1 1/2 now and most bettas live 2-3 years. Could it possibly just be old age? Hmm... I am going to see if I can find that article.
Ahh, found it. Here is an excerpt
"Females fins only grow so much. They soon stop developing, leaving the female with a "short hair cut" look. On the other hand, the males fins will keep growing throughout the betta's life. If one would cut the fins, one would soon see them start to grow back. Gradually, as bettas fins get longer and heavier, the fish becomes more and more sluggish. It may be hard for them to steer and maneuver with all this excess baggage. But nature has its own way of dealing with the problem: Over activity or sometimes bacterial diseases will give Mr. Betta a quick "hair cut": The fins (which are only a few cells thick) ) will tear and fall off (also called "blowing a tail"). This will usually rejuvenate Mr. Betta and he might become once again (although now ugly) active. So I guess one cannot have it all LOL. One of the biggest problem with halfmoon bettas (who have the largest, heaviest and most majestic caudal) is that they “blow” their tails most easily
. Meaning that the tail will literally fall apart, somewhat like a large sailboat sail in a strong wind. One day your betta is glorious, the next he looks like an old torn rag LOL. Once blown, the tail will never be the same, it will grow back, but some discoloration or unevenness will occur. "
The link is http
/www.bettatalk.com/betta_anatomy.htm
Ahh, found it. Here is an excerpt
"Females fins only grow so much. They soon stop developing, leaving the female with a "short hair cut" look. On the other hand, the males fins will keep growing throughout the betta's life. If one would cut the fins, one would soon see them start to grow back. Gradually, as bettas fins get longer and heavier, the fish becomes more and more sluggish. It may be hard for them to steer and maneuver with all this excess baggage. But nature has its own way of dealing with the problem: Over activity or sometimes bacterial diseases will give Mr. Betta a quick "hair cut": The fins (which are only a few cells thick) ) will tear and fall off (also called "blowing a tail"). This will usually rejuvenate Mr. Betta and he might become once again (although now ugly) active. So I guess one cannot have it all LOL. One of the biggest problem with halfmoon bettas (who have the largest, heaviest and most majestic caudal) is that they “blow” their tails most easily
. Meaning that the tail will literally fall apart, somewhat like a large sailboat sail in a strong wind. One day your betta is glorious, the next he looks like an old torn rag LOL. Once blown, the tail will never be the same, it will grow back, but some discoloration or unevenness will occur. "The link is http
/www.bettatalk.com/betta_anatomy.htmKiarra
Former Betta Breeder
Bettas sometimes blow their tails, where it disintegrates without any real cause. It can happen in young ones, and often happens in the heavier-tailed ones, like Halfmoons. But it doesn't look quite like that. At least, I've never once seen it like that.
I have, however, seen MANY chewed tails (though my males don't do it), and that's what it looks like to me.
I have, however, seen MANY chewed tails (though my males don't do it), and that's what it looks like to me.
I've never seen a veil with a blown tail, only superdeltas and HM. Doesn't mean it doesn't happen, but I've not seen it.
Kiarra's on the right track - it needs to be treated like an injury because that's what it is. Whether it's chewing on the tail and dorsal, or injury from a filter or swimming trough plastic plants, it should be treated the same way - as an injury.
Kiarra's on the right track - it needs to be treated like an injury because that's what it is. Whether it's chewing on the tail and dorsal, or injury from a filter or swimming trough plastic plants, it should be treated the same way - as an injury.
gladiolapua
New Member
I got some medication for Cherry Pie this morning and put it in the aquarium right away when I got home. It is called "BettaFix remedy." It has Melaleuca in it. A form of tea tree oil. I am supposed to treat it every day for up to 7 days before a water change. Its for fin rot, injuries, etc. Its supposed to help grow back the fin quickly.
I also bought some aquarium salt, but how do I put it in? Do I just drop it in, or do I dissolve it in some water in a cup first, then pour it in?
BTW, thanks everyone, for all your help! I was so stressed I would wake up at night to check Cherry's tank temp and look at his tail, and sit and stare at him for long periods of time trying to figure it out, etc.
gladiolapua
I also bought some aquarium salt, but how do I put it in? Do I just drop it in, or do I dissolve it in some water in a cup first, then pour it in?
BTW, thanks everyone, for all your help! I was so stressed I would wake up at night to check Cherry's tank temp and look at his tail, and sit and stare at him for long periods of time trying to figure it out, etc.
gladiolapua
Read the pinned topic on Melefix. It will answer many of your questions. 
http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=57172
http
/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=57172gladiolapua
New Member
Thanks Cation!
I read the information on Melafix and Bettafix.
Gladys
I read the information on Melafix and Bettafix.
Gladys
Kiarra
Former Betta Breeder
For aquarium salt, I usually just drop it in, but I add it BEFORE the fish enters the water.
If you want to dissolve it in a cup, that would be fine. If you want to dissolve it faster, grind it up a little so it's not so much in chunks, and more in powder.
If you want to dissolve it in a cup, that would be fine. If you want to dissolve it faster, grind it up a little so it's not so much in chunks, and more in powder.
gladiolapua
New Member
FishEnthusiast
thank you for your article. It helped me to know sometimes it happens spontaneously. I am treating the tank water with Betta Fix and hoping that helps Cherry Pie.
thank you for your article. It helped me to know sometimes it happens spontaneously. I am treating the tank water with Betta Fix and hoping that helps Cherry Pie.
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