Bettas by Jennifer Lapello
Spinal Deformities
Young Betta with a moderate bump behind its head, most likely due to spinal curvature. Photograph by Nathaniel Emers.
Symptoms: Mild to severe spinal curvature, either viewable by looking at the side or the top of the fish, depending on where
the curvature occurs. In severe cases, it may cause swimming difficulties.
Cause: Most times this is genetic in
nature, in other words, a congenital birth defect. However, it can be caused by vitamin deficiencies early on in development.
Treatment:
There is no treatment for a spinal deformity. Most Betta breeders will go through spawns and cull any deformed fish from the
spawn at a very young age. Minor head deformities (usually a strange dip or bump behind the head) are very common and do
not seem to pose any major health risks. Any fish with a deformity that impairs its ability to swim should probably be euthanized.
Fish with milder forms that do not impair the ability to swim or eat can be kept as pets. A fish with a spinal deformity
should never be used for breeding. Please note: Doubletail Bettas normally have some degree of curvature at the caudal
peduncle (the area where the end of the body meets the caudal fin). Although not desirable, a small curve is normal.
These can be used for breeding, but fish with extreme bends should probably be excluded from your breeeding program.
Prevention:
In most cases, none. Breed healthy, young fish with straight spines, and ensure that they are receiving proper nutrition for
normal development. Do not breed doubletail to doubletail. Even with these precautions, you will end up with some deformed
fish if you do any reasonable amount of spawning.
Top view of a female Betta with a visibly bent spine. Photograph by Jennifer Lapello.