Sick Betta With Gill Problem

[Alibinali]

Hi everyone,

I am new to this forum and am looking for help with my sick betta. I have had him for about 6 months with no problems till now. A gill on his left side became swollen about 5 days ago and I could see a little bit of white on the underside which I thought was a bacterial infection so have been treating him with Myxazine. Today, however, I had a close look at the white bit which seems to have moved to the top and it looks for all the world as if it has horns on it like a snails head. I have, like most people, lots of uninvited snails in my tank which I mainly keep under control by picking them out whenever I see them. Is it possible that one has made its home in his gill instead of a shell? Or is there some other similar parasite that it might be?

I am contemplating trying to pull it out with tweezers (sterilized of course) but am worried I might do more harm than good.

Any help would be gratefully received

 

[lilfishie]

Any chance you could get a picture? there are a few parasites that i have no experience with, if you can get a picture try adding a topic to the emergency section

How does he seem in general? still active/eating etc?

 

[Alibinali]

Hi and thanks for responding.

I have attached some photos but very difficult to get clear close up shots.

He is still eating but gradually less and less.

He is still swimming and flaring but does spend a lot of time now lying at the surface at the top of the heater.