Betta

Has your betta fish gained more weight accompanied by a loss of appetite? 

While it’s not uncommon, betta fish gaining weight could mean a lot of things. It could be that it’s a female fish ready to lay eggs, or perhaps you gave it too much to eat. 

However, fat betta fish may be afflicted with tumors or dropsy, so you need to be vigilant. That’s why, in today’s guide, we will be discussing all the things related to betta fish and weight gain to help you. 

Can Betta Fish Get Fat? 

Betta fish are usually small, so you wouldn’t expect them to be fat. But contrary to popular opinion, betta fish can get fat if they don’t receive the right amount of care. 

There could be several reasons why betta fish may gain weight or look bloated. If you are lucky, it may be a simple case of feeding them too much, which you can easily rectify. 

That said, weight gain often results from diseases like dropsy or tumor, meaning you need to be watchful. 

What Does A Fat Betta Fish Look Like? 

It is crucial to know what fat betta fish look like so that you can quickly prevent the onset of any disease. Since these are small fish, it’s easy to identify if they look different. 

When viewed from above, betta fish will have a slightly rounded and plump stomach, which may result from overfeeding. But if you are careful, they will return to their original size by the next feeding session. 

However, bulging or abnormally overweight betta fish may be suffering from certain diseases.  

Why Is My Betta Fish Getting Fat Belly? 

So, what are the reasons for a betta fish to gain weight? We have shortlisted some of the most common causes why your betta fish may have put on extra pounds. 

Overfeeding 

It’s always suggested that given their small size, keeping betta fish on a nutrient-rich diet may lead to weight gain. Similarly, having sufficient fibers in their meals is necessary to keep the fish healthy. 

Foods with a high concentration of nutrients break down quickly and don’t allow enough time for the fish to empty their stomach. This is a common problem, especially if you are a budding aquarist and are unsure about the quantity and variety of a healthy diet. 

Bloating From Dropsy 

Sometimes bloating may result from dropsy, so there are certain tell-tale signs you should know about for easy identification. Dropsy is characterized by elongated fins that look like pine cones. Not to mention, the fish may lose their color and develop clamped fins with a swim bladder disorder. 

There are several causes of the disease, including imperfect water conditions, parasites or bacteria, and overfeeding. If not treated quickly, it may affect the major organs of the fish, leading to its loss of life. 

Tumor 

Unknown to many, betta fish may develop tumors, although it is a rare disorder. You can usually tell by their large and bloated belly, which is out of the ordinary with a visible lump on one side. 

What’s more, asymmetrical bloating may point to the fact that there is an internal tumor. Now, there could be several causes for a tumor, such as poor water conditions, genetic traits, and improper diet. 

The best thing to do would be to consult a vet, as in most cases, tumors are benign.  

Pregnant Female Betta 

If none of the above reasons hold weight, it could be that the female betta fish is pregnant. Naturally, the fish develop a large belly to carry eggs till they are ready to lay the cluster in a suitable spot. 

Given that betta fish can lay between 100 and 150 eggs, it is no surprise that the females develop a big belly. Now, let’s look at how you will determine whether the fish is pregnant or just fat. 

Is My Betta Fish Pregnant Or Fat? 

To solve the mystery, you need to confirm whether it is indeed a female fish and secondly if it’s healthy. One surefire way to identify a pregnant female is if she has white vertical stripes along with a white tube on the underside of her belly. 

In some cases, it’s a dot instead of a tube situated at the point where the eggs will come out. Once you confirm that the female is about to lay eggs, it would be best to plan how to deal with the fry. 

FAQs 

Are Betta Fish Supposed To Be Fat? 

Most people believe that betta fish should be skinny, but the reality is that they can be fat. You need to make sure that you provide them with a healthy diet and maintain the right water conditions so that the fish can thrive. 

That said, if you notice an unnatural change in weight, don’t waste time consulting a vet. Even though they can gain a little weight, their overall body fat should not be more than 5%. 

How Big Is A Betta Fish Stomach? 

The stomach of a betta fish should not be bigger than its eyeballs, and you must feed it a similar amount of food to promote good health. So, to ensure that the fish are well fed without them turning overweight, you need to feed them twice a day, rather than all at once. 

Conclusion 

Are you confident that you can take care of betta fish better? 

When owning an aquarium, you need to recreate the natural habitat of the fish as closely as possible. Also, ensure that they are not stressed and prevent sudden changes to the fish tank or its surroundings. 

In case you notice that their belly is bulging for no apparent reason, take action immediately.

That’s it for now, see you soon with another informative guide! 

The feisty Siamese Fighting fish, also known as Betta fish, can sometimes be a shy species that like to hide under rocks and inside caves. 

Some may argue that they are cautious creatures who are planning their next attack in stealth mode. And yet, other aquarists may say that an unusually timid Betta is distressed or feeling threatened. 

With so many possibilities, it doesn’t come as a surprise that many concerned pet owners are often left wondering, “Why is my Betta fish hiding?” Fortunately, a few signs may help determine if a hiding Betta is a cause for concern. Read on to find out what they are. 

Is It Normal For A Betta Fish To Hide?

Betta fish often come up to the surface to breathe in atmospheric air, so it is unlikely that the fish will hide at the bottom for long hours. At the same time, even perfectly normal Betta fish may hide in the corner of the tank or behind aquarium decor to have some time to themselves. 

The key in differentiating whether the hiding behavior is normal or not is to monitor their day-to-day activities. 

For instance, notice whether your Betta only started hiding after you brought in new tank mates or shifted its home. Or perhaps, it always had a shy personality, but lately, it has been hiding all day. 

And if you suspect that your Betta has indeed been acting strange, consider making some changes around the fish tank to encourage the fish to come out.

Why Does My Betta Fish Hide? (The Potential Causes)

Poor Water Quality 

Usually, a Betta will seek refuge behind a plant or inside the caves designated for hiding purposes. However, if you find your Betta squeezed behind the filter unit, the problem may lie in the tank’s water parameters. 

That said, clean water is usually concentrated around the filter, and the Betta may be lurking here to avoid the poor water conditions in the rest of the tank. Or perhaps, the water is too cold for this tropical fish, which feels more comfortable behind heater units.  

What To Do

For starters, you need a water testing kit to check the water parameters and diagnose the problem. Ideally, the nitrite and ammonia levels should be at zero ppm. 

And if you find a high quantity of these contaminants in the water, you should consider changing the tank water more frequently and investing in a better filtration system. If not, your fish may succumb to ammonia or nitrite poisoning, which are most identifiable by red or black spots around the body.

As for water temperature, ensure that it stays between 75 and 80 degrees F. 

LED Lights Too Bright 

Betta fish are native to the paddy fields, ponds, marshes, and other murky waters of Southeast Asia. And as any fishkeeper knows, you must replicate its natural surroundings in all aspects, including the lighting conditions.

That said, the lighting in the tank may be too high for your Betta, which usually thrives in a dim environment shrouded by mud and vegetation.

What To Do

Try lowering the brightness and notice if the Betta fish comes out of its hiding place. Alternatively, you can place floating plants to block out the light. However, be careful not to block the entire surface as Betta fish often come up to breathe in surface air.

Filter Current Too Strong 

Betta fish are lazy and bad swimmers that don’t particularly enjoy swimming against the current, even in the wild. That said, a Betta hovering around the bottom of the tank or stationed in dead spots, particularly behind aquarium decor, could be avoiding an aggressive current.   

What To Do:

The quickest solution is to turn down the settings but that may compromise the filter’s cleaning ability. So, instead, you may invest in a new adjustable filter or a pre-filter sponge that you can attach to the old system. 

You may want to know: Is The Filter Too Strong for Betta? (3 Ways to Fix It)

Limited Hiding Spaces

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In the wild, Bettas are usually found in waters with plenty of hiding spaces and visual barriers to keep them hidden from predators. And while Bettas do enjoy swimming around freely from time to time, a tank full of hiding holes may help them feel more secure. 

What To Do

Consider adding rocks and plants, such as Java fern and Betta bulbs to the tank. Not only do aquarium decor provide new hideaways for your Betta, but they also serve an aesthetic purpose while controlling the filter current.

Is It A New Tank? 

Not just Bettas – any fish may show signs of skittishness when you first introduce them to a new tank. While some curious fish may instantly feel at home and happily explore their surroundings, the notoriously cautious Betta may take time to fit in.

What To Do

All you can do is wait for your Betta to get acquainted with its new environment and come out of hiding when it feels ready. In the meantime, keep checking the tank parameters and maintain optimal water conditions to allow the Betta to feel at home as soon as possible. 

Injury Or Sickness 

Bettas in the wild often attempt to camouflage themselves behind vegetation and among murky waters to stay hidden from predators. This survival instinct kicks in especially when they are injured or suffering from sickness – and therefore, ill-equipped to defend themselves. 

What To Do

A Betta that is sick or injured will often refrain from eating and show other signs of distress, such as discoloration and lethargy. 

In case of any visible injuries, add some API stress coat to help with the pain. For illnesses, you first have to diagnose the disease and follow the treatment accordingly. 

Final Thoughts 

Perhaps you have just introduced your Betta to its new home or tankmates. 

That said, a hiding Betta may simply be cautious about the changes in its life. Moreover, Bettas are not the most social fish and tend to attack others of their own kind – whether a male or a female Betta.

However, if your Betta has lost its appetite or appears unusually lethargic, something fishier may be going on. So, don’t forget to check the tank parameters daily and keep a close watch on your pet. 

Indeed, there’s no other way to know whether it is hiding from danger or playing a game of hide-and-seek!

Bettas or the Siamese fighting fish are one of the most common aquarium fishes found worldwide. 

These small fishes tend to be quite colorful, and because of their easy availability, they have become a popular starter fish for budding aquarists. However, as a fighting fish, the chasing and nipping behavior of Bettas is also quite evident and makes people worried about keeping them in community or sorority tanks. 

Hence, this guide will answer the burning question “how many female Bettas in a 10 gallon tank?” to help take better care of these feisty fishes.

How Many Female Bettas In A 10 Gallon Tank? 

One of the typical tank sizes found in fish stores is the 10 gallon variant. It may seem large enough to accommodate multiple female Bettas, but don’t make that mistake. 

When kept in a group, female Bettas need a lot of space, so a 10 gallon tank would fall short for even a couple of them. Hence, if you plan on getting the 10 gallon tank, think about including a single female Betta along with a snail or a few shrimps. 

The best tank mates for a single female Betta include Apple snails and Turret snails, Ghost shrimps, and Amano shrimps. Remember to keep an eye on these creatures after introducing them to a tank with Bettas. 

Female Betta Sorority Tank Setup

Female Betta Sorority Tank Size

The minimum tank size to choose for setting up a female Betta sorority is at least 30 gallons. However, going for a larger tank works out better to maintain the parameters of the aquarium. 

In a 30 gallon tank, you can keep about three to four female Bettas, and never more than five at a time. Overcrowding in a tank may lead to chasing and nipping behavior in the group, which is undesirable. 

How Many Female Bettas Can I Keep In A Sorority Tank? 

Well, technically, if you have a large enough tank for accommodating a lot of Bettas, there’s a scope to create a large sorority. But, it’s best to stick with a group of six to eight Bettas as it’s easier to keep an eye on the fishes. 

Moreover, it’s much easier to manage a 50 gallon tank to accommodate the six to eight female Bettas. And, adding too many can often lead to aggressive behavior in the group. 

If you’re looking to introduce the female Bettas into a community tank, adding four or five fishes is preferable to maintain a balance.

Heavily Planted & Decorated

While styling a Betta tank, another aspect to keep in mind is to provide as much cover as possible. You can add rocks, driftwood, and live plants to the tank. These crevices would let the Bettas hide if there’s a bully and cut down on any emerging conflicts. 

Try to break up the eyeline of the Bettas while adding decor to the tank. The simplest way to do this is by adding pieces in such a way that the entire back of the tank isn’t visible from the front. 

Having said that, it’s also necessary to make sure that the covers aren’t placed so that the Bettas get trapped.

The Younger The Better 

While creating a sorority, it’s better to choose Bettas that are younger and smaller. As young Bettas tend to be less aggressive, they will have a longer time acclimatizing with the tank mates. 

And, when you move the female Bettas to a bigger tank, they won’t show chasing and nipping behavior. However, while getting young Bettas, you need to ensure that the fish isn’t a male. 

Accidentally, adding a male to the group can lead to more aggression, especially when trying to create a sorority. Also, both sexes should only come together during intentional mating. 

Add ALL Bettas At The Same Time 

When you’re establishing the sorority tank, don’t add the female Bettas in intervals. Instead, introduce all of them to the tank at the same time to give the fish time to get used to each other. 

If you suddenly introduce a new female into the tank, the older Bettas can gang up for bullying, and it may cause damage to the fins of the new fish.

Don’t Introduce Female Bettas That Have Been Housed Alone

A common mistake made by new aquarists is to introduce a single Betta into a group tank. If prior to this, the Betta had been kept alone in a tank, it would be tough for it to survive in a sorority. 

Apart from taking time in acclimatizing, the fish would also face bullying while searching for its territory. Moreover, as the lone fish comes from an entirely different tank, it may carry some disease or a parasite. 

Consider The Personalities 

What most people fail to understand is that even fishes have personalities just like any other pet. And even though aggression is common between Bettas, it quickly subsides when each fish has acclimatized to the tank. That’s why it’s crucial only to introduce the Bettas in a new tank when a cycle has been completed. 

Nevertheless, if you can, try to observe the Bettas in the store and pick the fish that appear calm. But, that isn’t a sure-shot way of deciding on the personality of Bettas. 

So, it’s best to spend two weeks observing how the female Bettas are putting up in the group and to take out any fish that behaves too aggressively.

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Final Thoughts 

We hope that the guide will help you figure out the right tank size for setting up a sorority for female Bettas. For amateur aquarists setting up the tank, it may take some time before you get a group of thriving female Bettas. 

Just be a little careful while feeding the Bettas, so there isn’t much aggression like chasing and nipping during eating. Also, have an eye on the growth of the Bettas, and change the tank size if needed. 

Finally, if you’re still unable to choose the right tank size, do let us know for further help. 

Do you want your betta fish to display vibrant colors and live healthy lives? 

All you need to do is clean the tank, choose suitable mates, and provide them with the right food. The latter is particularly essential; that’s why in today’s guide, we’ll discuss the importance of brine shrimp as a suitable food source. 

Now, you might be wondering whether brine shrimp for Betta will help them lay eggs and stay healthy? Let’s find out. 

Is Brine Shrimp Good For Bettas? 

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Brine shrimp may be an excellent food source for bettas, provided you keep them on a varied diet. For the fish to live long, healthy lives and display vibrant colors, you may feed them brine shrimp in any form. 

Not to mention, these shrimp species have more nutrients than regular frozen or dry fish food, thereby proving beneficial for the fry.

Does Brine Shrimp Help With Bettas Constipation? 

If you find that the fish appear bloated or are producing stringy feces, it may be a sign of constipation of your betta. Luckily, it is easily solvable with a little change to the diet. 

Now, brine shrimp fall under chitinous foods that have high-fiber content and may act as a laxative. Until the fish recover, you should maintain this diet and provide them with live shrimp from time to time. 

Freeze-Dried & Frozen Brine Shrimp For Bettas? 

Freeze-dried brine shrimp are rich in proteins and could act as a vital source of additional supplements. But they can never constitute the main diet of bettas. 

What’s more, if you purchase frozen brine shrimp, remember that they may break up into little cubes or disintegrate into powder, thereby proving useful while feeding the fish. Rest assured, it won’t affect their quality but try to prepare a varied diet plan to keep the fish healthy. 

How Much Should I Feed My Betta Fish Freeze-Dried Brine Shrimp? 

You won’t need a large stock of freeze-dried brine shrimp because betta fish are small, and overfeeding may prove detrimental to their health. We recommend feeding ½ or 1/3rd of a cube per fish, depending on the number of tank mates. 

The best way to gauge the correct amount is to observe. If the fish eat everything, add a tiny bit more to see if they are still hungry. 

On the other hand, if a certain amount lies untouched, consider feeding them less. 

How To Feed Freeze-Dried Brine Shrimp To Bettas? 

You should store the freeze-dried brine shrimp in the cooler and pop one frozen cube for feeding purposes. Place the cube in a plastic bag and lightly hammer it into little pieces or crumbs. 

Next, pick up the required portion with a toothpick and directly feed the fish, or you can wiggle it around in the water to further break it down. If the baby fish like it, they will search for tiny bits and gobble them up. 

Live Brine Shrimp For Bettas? 

It’s always a good idea to feed your betta live foods like brine shrimp, which are great at supplementing their diet. However, you should only use these in moderation so as not to overdo it!

Can I Feed My Betta Live Brine Shrimp? 

Betta fish are carnivores, and to keep them healthy, you can feed them live brine shrimp without any hassle. Live food keeps the fish’s natural instincts alive; not to mention, they are rich in proteins and fibers. 

That said, do remember to include them sparingly, as they are a great supplementary food source but may not be suitable as the main food item. 

How Often/Much Should I Feed My Betta Fish Live Brine Shrimp? 

Since bettas are small fish, you should not feed them live brine shrimp more than two or three times every week. Moreover, include other food sources to keep them healthy, as having a brine shrimp staple diet may not be the best idea. 

The best way to judge their appetite would be to add one or two shrimp to the tank and see how the fish respond. 

How To Feed Betta Live Brine Shrimp? 

Cultivating brine shrimp is difficult as they need salt water to survive. Also, you can feed the Betta fish only five or six at a time. 

So, it would be best to catch them with a net, rinse them, and add the necessary number of shrimp to the tank. Place the rest back in a shallow pot of saltwater and keep them disease-free. 

FAQs: 

Can I Feed My Betta Brine Shrimp Every Day? 

You can feed betta fish brine shrimp every day, provided they are frozen or freeze-dried. If you choose to include live betta fish, ensure that you don’t feed them more than five to six per week. 

But when it comes to the former, you can feed them two to three times every day. However, each portion should be less than the size of their eyeballs. 

Can I Feed My Fish Only Brine Shrimp Or Bloodworms? 

While brine shrimp and bloodworms form an essential part of your betta fish’s diet, we recommend including various foods for their overall well-being. Both these food sources are great as supplements, thanks to their rich protein and high fiber content. 

However, brine shrimp and bloodworms are good in small quantities. 

Brine Shrimp Vs. Bloodworms For Betta

It’s challenging to distinguish between brine shrimp and bloodworms as both have their advantages. Some aquarists prefer the former as it may prevent constipation and reduce the chances of bloating. 

On the other hand, bloodworms are easier to feed and contain essential proteins that may prove beneficial.

Final Thoughts 

Are you convinced about the benefits of brine shrimp? Hopefully, you’ll include them as part of the betta fish’s diet. 

It would be best to let the fish decide what they want to eat, so add tiny portions of nutritious food and observe what they like. Rest assured, with the right amount of care and a proper diet in place, your betta fish will live out their lives in harmony and lay many eggs. 

Have you noticed any unusual behavior in the Betta fish whenever you make a little change to the water system?

Commonly known as Siamese fighting fish, Betta splendens are colorful and low maintenance. They are typically found in a mix of all rainbow colors like red, blue, and yellow but temporarily get discolored and form stripes when faced with stressful conditions.

If you are wondering, “what Betta stress stripes look like, we’ve got you covered with our informative guide. 

What Are Betta Fish Stress Stripes?

Fishes often experience stress, just like humans do, but their trigger factors and the medium of expression are quite different. Now, Bettas indicate something being out of place in their surroundings through physical means. 

Whenever there are adversities or sudden changes in the aquarium, this species starts discoloring and adopts a light or dark striped pattern. These stripes could be horizontal or vertical, depending on the reason behind their occurrence. 

What Do Betta Stress Stripes Look Like?

When Bettas sense changes or get scared, they’ll lose their gorgeous colors and become pale. When this happens, they develop horizontally or vertically aligned parallel bands on their bodies that are quite different in color from their usual hues. 

Female Betta: Breeding Or Fear Stripes

Both types of stripes might appear the same to untrained eyes, but if you pay attention, you’ll be able to notice a striking difference. Let’s look at how fear stripes differ from breeding stripes to learn how to demarcate them from each other.

Fear Stripes

Fish are capable of communicating through their body language; they change their appearance by altering their pigmentation and colors. 

For instance, fear stripes are light horizontal streaks running along the female Betta’s body. These are caused when severe changes occur rapidly; you might have observed these stripes while siphoning the aquarium or netting your fish.

Breeding Stripes

While stress stripes are an indicator of tense situations, breeding stripes are a sign of good health in female Bettas. Yes, only females develop these stripes to indicate their prosperous breeding condition and invite males for mating.

Breeding stripes are vertically aligned light-colored bands, occurring in a series of five to six stripes. But these are less vibrant than the fear stripes.

Do Male Bettas Get Stress Stripes? 

Stress stripes are common in female Bettas but not so apparent in males. The latter loses its color under stress and shows other behavioral changes. However, some pet owners on fish forums have mentioned their male Bettas developing stress stripes under immense stress or habitat change. 

So, we can say that both males and females get stress stripes, but the phenomenon is much more pronounced in females than males. 

How To Get Rid Of Betta Stress Stripes?

What Causes Stress Stripes?

Your Betta can get stressed for multiple reasons, so let us discuss the possible causes. This will help you find effective methods to look after your fish and get rid of the stress stripes.

Is it a New Tank?

Stress stripes commonly occur when Bettas are moved from the pet store to their new home. This species is sensitive to changes and adjusts to a new habitat in their own sweet time. The stripes will likely go away in a week, provided you keep the tank filtered, cycled, and properly heated.

Water Conditions

Fluctuations in the water quality can stress out your fish really fast. That’s why you should avoid introducing sudden changes in your water tank. If you want to improve the quality of the water, do it gradually, so Bettas have enough time to adapt without freaking out.

Apart from water, the general tank conditions also affect the stress level of this species. Bright lighting, fast water cycling, and a lack of hiding spots are a few factors that can cause stress stripes. 

Make sure that your tank is large enough to accommodate all your fish comfortably (five gallons or more). Keep the lights dim and provide sufficient natural crevices to make your Bettas feel safe and secure. 

Tankmates

Betta splendens is a solitary species that doesn’t react too well when kept with other fish. They might cohabitate with some assorted tropical fish without showing aggression, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they are compatible with them.

Bettas might become skittish and form stress stripes due to the presence of vividly colored and active fish around them. Therefore, it is important to observe their behavior closely while introducing new tankmates. If the stripes persist, it’s your sign to make some changes.

Getting Rid Of The Stripes

The best way to relieve Bettas from their stress stripes is by eliminating the source of stressful conditions. Make sure that you run water quality tests in your aquarium from time to time. What’s more, observe your Bettas’ movement and assess the space they are getting to move about and hide.

Notice your fish’s activity and movement in the water tank; is it swimming and moving around actively, or is it sulking at the bottom, most of the time? If the latter is the case, try adding more enrichments to the water. 

Additionally, research the species you introduce inside your tank along with the Betta splendens. You need to make sure that your fish are reacting well to each other instead of being aggressive.

Final Thoughts

Bettas are known as “fighting fish,” but in reality, they are complex and sensitive, prone to getting stressed at the slightest inconvenience. 

They are low maintenance but prefer solitary living and stress stripes are a sure sign that something is up and your fish is having a tough time. Moreover, prolonged stress can have a terrible effect on their immunity, making them vulnerable to diseases. 

But the stress stripes will warn you beforehand; you’ll have ample time to figure things out and make them better for your Betta’s comfort. 

We’ll sign off now, hoping that our guide was able to cater to all your queries. Don’t forget to let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

Within a short time, pets become a part of the family, and when it’s time, goodbyes are seldom easy.  

While some live a long, fulfilling life, others don’t share that fortune. Fishes come in the latter category, and you will often find that they get sick or pass on quickly. If you have a betta fish who has not been keeping well at home or in the office, it may be time to let go.

But euthanizing a pet is not easy and needs to be done humanely and respectfully. Read on below for more information on how to euthanize a betta fish.

When To Euthanize A Betta Fish?

Fatal Diseases in Bettas

Fish Tuberculosis 

Fish tuberculosis is caused by the Mycobacterium spp. There are over 150 Mycobacterium species, some of which can be found in soil and water. As one of the common environmental contaminants, they do not require a fish host to survive.

While Fish Tuberculosis is not as prevalent as it used to be, it is still possible for fish to get TB and spread it to humans through open wounds. You will know that the fish has contracted TB through signs like loss of scales, discoloration in the body, and skeletal deformities. 

A Betta fish suffering from fish Tb is not treatable, and the only option for treatment would be euthanasia. If a betta shows signs of this deadly disease, it should immediately be isolated to prevent any spread of infection.

Columnaris

Columnaris is a potentially fatal bacterial infection that presents itself in the form of mold-like lesion. This is one of the common bacterial infections that Betta contract due to poor water quality, stress, or an inadequate diet. 

The name for Columnaris is derived from the bacteria’s columnar-shaped appearance, which can be found in virtually all aquarium environments. It has also been referred to as the cotton wool disease, saddleback disease, or guppy disease.

The biggest issue with this disease is that it can occur slowly or spread quickly, killing the Betta fish in just a few hours. So it is essential to keep a lookout for signs that might allow you to do something about it, such as:

• Grayish spots on the mouth, edges of scales, or fins 
• Lesions on the back and the sides
• The disintegration of fins and gills
• A layer of moldy or cottony lesions grows around the mouth

The course of the disease is sped up by high water temperature. However, lowering it will not slow down or affect its progression. The Columnaris bacteria (F. columnare) can be treated with antibiotics and prevented via basic tank maintenance.

Dropsy

Dropsy is not an independent disease but more like a sign to show that the fish might be suffering from other issues like TB or a tumor. If you notice that your fish has a bit of swelling in the abdomen or the scales are sticking out, then they may be suffering from dropsy. 

In most cases, both physical and behavioral symptoms are observed.

• A pinecone-like appearance
• Visual bloat and swelling of the belly
• Eyes are popping out
• Color loss
• Clamped fins
• Extreme lethargy
• Stop eating 
• Swimming near the top of the tank.

Dropsy can come from multiple factors that weaken your Betta fish’s immune system. The gram-negative Aeromonas bacteria are considered the main cause, which will only lead to serious infection for fish that already have an impaired immune system. 

Dropsy is extremely difficult to treat; by the time your Betta has a pine cone appearance, severe internal damage has already occurred.

Betta Fish Behaviour Before Death

Betta fish have tell-tale signs that can indicate they are closer to their demise. If you are a first-time fish owner, it is essential to keep these signs in mind.

Poor Appetite 

This is one of the first signs to look out for, not just in terms of death but general sickness. If your fish seems disinterested in food during normal feeding time, consider it a red flag. Betta fishes have a decent appetite, so not eating or spitting the food out clearly indicates that something is wrong. 

In some cases, the betta fish might come up to the surface but not eat. That is a sign of it gasping for air which could also indicate that they may be suffering. 

Discoloration 

Betta fishes are known for their color. Discoloration in their skin or even a slight fade indicates poor health conditions. 

A fatal fish illness that many beginners face is nitrite poisoning. When the levels of nitrites spike, you will notice your little guy has a red belly which means it needs emergency veterinarian care and probably euthanization.

However, some color fading is normal and should be expected. Colour fade in marbling Bettas are part of the aging process, but it can also indicate a health problem if your Betta’s body suddenly loses all its color or develops signs such as pale gills, which may cause you to worry about them.

Also, remember, the older the fish gets, the more its skin will fade. It does not always have to be a fatal disease; it could just be old age too.

Lack Of Response 

Any healthy fish, Betta or otherwise, will respond promptly and eagerly. But if a betta is non-responsive, isolated, and seems tired, there is a chance it might be unwell. 

A sick Betta fish typically becomes less responsive to gestures and movements. It would rather sleep or isolate itself from its owner’s presence, as it is in a weakened state of health.

If you are concerned whether your Betta is lethargic or just sleeping, try offering them food and turning on the lights to see if they wake up.

How To Humanely Euthanize A Fish

Putting a pet down is never easy, but that does not mean it has to be done in an inhumane way. There are two main ways of getting the job done in a way that ensures your fish is let go with love and respect.

Clove Oil 

Clove oil is readily found and has the properties to make a small fish unconscious. When mixed with warm water, it can be added to the tank in small doses. The first dose will render the fish unconscious, while the second will allow it to pass away in its sleep. 

Observe the fish carefully in this solution, ensuring they are fully submerged, and their gills aren’t moving. The concentration of the solution should be appropriate for your size of fish; if it’s too small or large, you run a high risk of killing them by accident. Once all sign of life is gone from their gills (i.e., there isn’t any movement) after 10 minutes, then place them into the freezer to make double sure that they’re dead before disposal!

TMS Buffered with Baking Soda

This is the professional anesthetic that labs and aquariums use for sedation, euthanasia, or anesthesia, which has been proved for euthanizing laboratory fish softly.

Add the most common agent, TMS (also known as MS-222), slowly until the gills stop moving. To ensure that the fish has died, add a shot of grain alcohol after about 10 minutes. 

Anesthetics like MS-222 are not readily available but can be procured after consultation with a vet.

Author note: Fish must be held 21 days before release if anesthetized with MS-222.

How To NOT Kill Your Betta Fish

The methods mentioned below will most likely kill your fish brutally, so we recommend steering clear of these.

Alcohol 

Aka, fish poison. It is like giving chocolate to a dog or any form of poison to anyone suffering. Many people recommend vodka, and it might do the job, but it’s not a nice way to go.

Flushing 

This is an easy way to get rid of a fish but not the right one. Especially since certain fishes tend to survive, and flushing them is just torture. 

Ice Water 

Placing the fish in ice water may be suitable for some fish but not betta fishes. The ice formation on the gills, if they have a chance to survive, is painful and can kill them.

FAQ’s

Can You Euthanize A Betta With Melafix (Tea Tree Oil)?

There have been varied opinions on this as tons of people have treated tanks with Melafix. However, considering it is an oil, much like clove oil, there is a chance it can euthanize bettas. We still recommend using clove oil or Pimafix for this.

Is It Okay To Flush A Dead Fish Down The Toilet?

Flushing a fish is never an option for two main reasons. Firstly, the toilet tank or drain is not meant to handle foreign objects. And secondly, it is an inhumane way to let your pet go, especially if the death has not been verified. 

Final Thoughts

With that, we come to the end of this guide on euthanizing a betta fish.

Remember to verify the death of your fish before taking the next step and burying it. It is advisable to give the fish at least 30 minutes to check for gill movement. If there is no movement or eye rolls even after that time, the fish has passed on. 

On that note, we shall sign off. We know dealing with moments like this can be challenging, but using the methods recommended above will ensure that you let go of your pets in the most humane way.