There are various reasons why your fish might be dying. It could be stress, atmosphere, genetics, or unsanitary tanks. You should take great care of the living conditions of your betta fish. This article underlines how to save your fish if they seem sick.
So without further ado, let’s dive into the 8 ways to save a Betta fish:
Take Your Fish To A Vet
If your fish looks weak or tired, then it is time to take it to a vet. It might save your pet’s life and improve its health. Something is wrong if it isn’t excited to see food or looks a strange color. If you own a Betta fish, then you should know that they are usually very vibrant and happy. If you notice that one of your fish’s eyes is moving out, it has pop-eye.
Sadly, pop-eye isn’t brought about by only one condition. In some cases, it is treatable, yet at different times it isn’t. If more than two fish are showing signs of Pop-eye, then the water condition is logically to blame. Try things out and replace the water for 4 to 5 days.
Antibiotics For Bacterial Infections
Bacterial infections could be the cause of illness in your fish. In this case, your vet must have prescribed some antibiotics.
Usually, tetracycline, ampicillin, or some other brand is used. Clean the tank thoroughly and apply the antibiotics on the fish or the tank as recommended by the vet. Velvet is a disease that might also be prescribed antibiotics. On the off chance that one of the fish has pop-eye, it very well may be bacterial contamination. Separate the fish in a different tank and treat them with Maracyn or Maracyn II until it gives indications of progress.
Fungal Infections
You might be surprised to hear this, but fungal infections affect Betta fish too. If your fish is suffering from a fungal infection, then you need to be very careful. A betta fish can live with a fungal disease for half a month, yet the contamination will probably spread and it will be hard to save it. If a betta fish has parasitic contamination in its mouth, it will probably eat less and be close to death.
First of all, it might be helpful to note a few signs/symptoms of a fungus-infected fish:
- Pale Color of your fish.
- A fin of unusual shape.
- Visible fungus in the tank.
- White patches on its body.
Now, you should also notice that the fish might be rubbing against the aquarium, trying to remove the fungus. In this case, yet again, follow the vet’s instructions and clean the aquarium regularly. You should apply anti-fungal medications when needed. Salt solutions are used to clean the tank and the fish as well.
Clean Tanks
Tanks should be cleaned and disinfected regularly. It is like a home to the fish, so it must be clean and tidy, free from odors and smells. This will help your fish as compared to a smelly, unclean tank. A clean environment will help the fish to get better in no time.
Optimum Temperature
Betta fish need an optimum temperature for their survival. Usually, a temperature within the range of 25 °C to 27 °C is best for Betta fish. If the temperature is too high, it will be impossible for the fish to survive. Also, at a low temperature, the fish will drop to the bottom of the tank. Take good care of the temperature controls, and remove the tank from nearby windows and open doors.
Using the Right Medicine
You need to be careful not to self-diagnose your fish. You need to contact a vet, who will prescribe you medicines. Then you can search it online, to increase your knowledge.
There are many diseases that can affect your fish. Among these are Dropsy, Itch, Velvet, Pop-eye, and many others. Thus wrong medication might make a disease worse.
Provide Shelters
Like humans, fish will probably slow down and be lethargic when sick or dying. Your Betta fish needs green grass as shelter and a lot of rest. Remove stress as much as possible and take care not to stress your fish too. This might be due to lighting, temperature, and loud noises. Take your vet’s instructions into account and provide for your fish as much as you can.
Therefore, there are many ways to save a dying Betta fish. It takes effort and numerous trips to the vet, but a sick Betta fish can be healed.
