What Does It Mean When Bettas Turn Red?

[monkeeappelz]

i was just doing a water change for my betta when it suddenly turned red. he's usual colour is a greenish to dark blue. but what does it mean when he turns red? O_O''

i just put him in his water change bowl to clean up the tank, and he turned red in the bowl. he's colour returned when i put him back in his tank. he's fine now, but im just anxious

i've never seen this happen, and im a newbie at fish keeping, so any ideas?

 

[Never2ManyBettas]

Some get pale when they are stressed, scared or sick. It is possible the betta may have a red wash (layer of pigment under the irid layer. Blue, steel, green are irids). Once he colors back up again... if you have a kind of bright light behind him... you can see through his fins and that will show you if he has a color wash.

If the water was bad and high in ammonia.... red can be ammonia burns.

My guess is.... you fish was just freaked out.

 

[liz2]

I got a betta on Saturday I picked him as he was pale blue. He has now settled down and is bright blue! Dont look like the same fish!

 

[monkeeappelz]

yes i think he does have a red wash, ive seen it when he's under a bright light. >__<'' oh poor thing.. odd though, cos he's been using that container for a while now..

but anywho, if he;s not stressed he may be sick im afraid. he hasnt eaten well today and i just noticed he's got a swollen belly im scared.. i hope he;s just constipated, because there are no signs or protruding scales. prays. oh i wish he could get well soon.

but thanks guys for your replies!

 

[JoLtNbolt]

to TFF!

i hope he;s just constipated, because there are no signs or protruding scales.

If he's constipated, you might want to try feeding him the insides of smashed peas.