Bettas by Jennifer Lapello
Fin Rot
A doubletail Betta that developed Fin Rot after spawning. Photograph by Jennifer Lapello.
Symptoms: Red edges on fins, deteriorating finnage, sometimes a black “dusting” on the bottom of the fish’s container.
In extreme cases (fin & body rot), the fins will deteriorate completely and the body will also begin to be affected.
Cause:
Bacterial fin rot is caused by gram-negative bacteria (Aeromonas, Psuedomonas, or Vibrio). It generally occurs in poor water
conditions. Non-bacterial fin rot is usually caused by an injury, such as those normally seen in the spawn tank.
Treatment:
Bacterial fin rot can be treated with a medication that treats gram-negative bacteria. Water should be kept clean at all times,
and aquarium salt can be added to help prevent further infection. Bacterial fin rot can be deadly if it is allowed to progress
to the point where the body starts getting eaten away, so prompt treatment is needed.
Fin rot caused by spawning injuries (or
other injuries) is ugly, but usually not life-threatening. It is common in males with large finnage. The best thing to
do is try to prevent it from occurring right after the fish is removed from the spawn tank. Simply put the fish in clean water
that has been treated with freshwater aquarium salt and a couple drops of Melafix. Even using preventative measures such as
these, some fish will still develop fin rot. At that point, it is a good idea to put them on an anti-bacterial medication for
a week or so and do very frequent water changes.
Prevention: Clean water, proper precautions taken after an injury.