Question about gill membrane

[leah9798]

Hi I just bought a betta today I fell in love with him for his very odd coloring. I noticed though that his gill membrane is sticking out the sides as well as the bottom, he also has a little pink color around his gills. He has such odd coloring though his body is white so everthing shows. I'm beginning to wonder if it really is his coloring or he is sick. So can it be normal for the membrane to stick out the sides as well. I was thinking of treating with Maracyn just i case. Thanks Leah

 

[wuvmybetta]

watch him before you medicate, if he's acting normal the fin could just be blown out aka blown fin, from flaring too much while in the store or something like that

 

[leah9798]

Thank you can I just ask what I should be watching for? He has an appetite but wont touch flakes. I gave him betta bites and he eats them but spits little pieces out(not the whole thing). My other one just gobbes them up. Thank you Leah

 

[wuvmybetta]

As long as he's swimming around ,appearing normal and at least showing interest in food I wouldn't worry. Now if he's sulking and just looks sickly maybe you should medicate

 

[White Whale]

Thank you can I just ask what I should be watching for? He has an appetite but wont touch flakes. I gave him betta bites and he eats them but spits little pieces out(not the whole thing). My other one just gobbes them up. Thank you Leah

Try freeze-dried bloodworms. They seem to be the acceptable form of cuisine for most bettas. Maybe he would like those, too?

 

[leah9798]

Thanks he is building a bubble nest so i guess he cant feel too yucky. Maybe it's just normal for him.