white growth on betta

[katienewbettakeeper]

I’ve had this fish for about a month, and got him from my local petco (yikes i know) he’s had a weird white mark since i got him, and i actually have posted about it before. I treated him with salt baths for about two weeks, and two doses of kanaplex. for the past week or so I haven’t been adding anything but conditioner to his water. His attitude improved a lot from sluggish to active, and he eats very well. His fins also improved a lot, but haven’t regrown as much as i would have expected by now. The white spot however, has grown, from a slightly raised white v shape to a tumor sort of bump. since he’s so active now it’s hard to get a good picture of it, but i’ll put some in anyway. If someone could tell me what it is, and if i can treat it, i would appreciate a lot!

tank info:

3 gallon (moving to a 5 gallon when it’s done cycling)

hardscape/decor: 1 piece of spider wood, some mini cattappa leaves, small sponge filter, an anubias, some floating plants

parameters:
0ppm ammonia
0ppm nitrite
0ppm nitrate
(daily 50% water changes with prime conditioner)

temp: 74-78 fahrenheit

appearance: dark blue iridescent with speckles of darker scales and white chin, slightly frayed and clamped fins, red ventral fins, clear eyes, white bump on side

behaviour: eats very well, i haven’t seen him flare at all although he will fan his fins, generally active and is usually swimming around and exploring

 

[Lemon]

it’s most likely an abscess, not a cancerous tumor or anything serious

Abscesses are caused by bacterial infections. It could be that your betta has sustained an injury by catching himself on something sharp in the tank, or the damage may have been caused by a nip from another fish. Most times, injuries like that clear up on their own. But, if the tank water is not kept in pristine condition, bacteria can enter the wound site and set up an infection.


As the bacteria destroy the tissues surrounding their entry point, the decomposing matter forms pus. The pus collects beneath the fish’s skin, forming a lump or abscess.

If left untreated, an abscess will continue to grow until the fish’s skin is no longer able to contain it, at which point the abscess will burst. Once the abscess has ruptured, the fish will be left with a large, open sore on his body, leaving him vulnerable to further attack by bacteria, and so the whole cycle begins again.

As soon as you notice what could be an abscess forming on your fish, remove him from the main tank and place him alone in a quarantine tank. ​

A quarantine tank is simply a tank that has the fish’s preferred water quality, a good filtration system, heating, lighting, and a hiding place. Keep the tank scrupulously clean, and carry out frequent water changes, especially if the abscess has burst.


Providing a cave or something similar in the quarantine tank is very important. A sick fish will become stressed if he has nowhere to hide while he’s feeling vulnerable. A smooth-sided, plastic plant pot set on its side and partially buried in the substrate makes a safe, affordable hideout for your betta.

Plants make a great place for fish to hide and recuperate. However, it’s better to use silk plants, rather than fresh ones, in your quarantine tank. Fresh plants could bring unwanted bacteria or parasites into the environment that could seriously harm an already sick fish.


If the abscess is not too big, your betta has a good chance of surviving. Treat the tank water with a suitable aquarium antibacterial product that you’ll find in good fish stores or online.
(Also I got all my betta from petco too they can surprisingly hardy and my male lived to 7 just goes to prove sometimes it’s the care taker over the breeder sometimes) good luck

 

[Lemon]

Also you do quite a bit of water changes I would definitely spread them out more. I do mine a week at least apart

 

[connorlindeman]

Also you do quite a bit of water changes I would definitely spread them out more. I do mine a week at least apart

When a fish is sick, it is beneficial to do large daily water changes. Nothing beats some nice clean fresh water for regaining health.

 

[katienewbettakeeper]

Also you do quite a bit of water changes I would definitely spread them out more. I do mine a week at least apart

the three gallon isn’t cycled, which is why i do so many

 

[katienewbettakeeper]

it’s most likely an abscess, not a cancerous tumor or anything serious

Abscesses are caused by bacterial infections. It could be that your betta has sustained an injury by catching himself on something sharp in the tank, or the damage may have been caused by a nip from another fish. Most times, injuries like that clear up on their own. But, if the tank water is not kept in pristine condition, bacteria can enter the wound site and set up an infection.


As the bacteria destroy the tissues surrounding their entry point, the decomposing matter forms pus. The pus collects beneath the fish’s skin, forming a lump or abscess.

If left untreated, an abscess will continue to grow until the fish’s skin is no longer able to contain it, at which point the abscess will burst. Once the abscess has ruptured, the fish will be left with a large, open sore on his body, leaving him vulnerable to further attack by bacteria, and so the whole cycle begins again.

As soon as you notice what could be an abscess forming on your fish, remove him from the main tank and place him alone in a quarantine tank. ​

A quarantine tank is simply a tank that has the fish’s preferred water quality, a good filtration system, heating, lighting, and a hiding place. Keep the tank scrupulously clean, and carry out frequent water changes, especially if the abscess has burst.


Providing a cave or something similar in the quarantine tank is very important. A sick fish will become stressed if he has nowhere to hide while he’s feeling vulnerable. A smooth-sided, plastic plant pot set on its side and partially buried in the substrate makes a safe, affordable hideout for your betta.

Plants make a great place for fish to hide and recuperate. However, it’s better to use silk plants, rather than fresh ones, in your quarantine tank. Fresh plants could bring unwanted bacteria or parasites into the environment that could seriously harm an already sick fish.


If the abscess is not too big, your betta has a good chance of surviving. Treat the tank water with a suitable aquarium antibacterial product that you’ll find in good fish stores or online.
(Also I got all my betta from petco too they can surprisingly hardy and my male lived to 7 just goes to prove sometimes it’s the care taker over the breeder sometimes) good luck

I’m honestly pretty worried that it’s lymphocystitis. it looks like it is, with the cauliflower esq presentation and the darkness of the scales around it. plus it first manifested as a white film, which is common in lympho. also, he acts completely normal despite it. I’m hesitant to treat with antibiotics because of them causing treatment resistant bacteria, especially because i’m not exactly sure of what it is. Lymphocystitis is untreatable so it won’t really cause health issues unless it’s on the gills or mouth. using a antibacterial would only have bad consequences in that case… idk, i’m asking around some more for more opinions. I don’t want to commit until i’m certain of what it is. for now i’m just keeping his water super clean.