Betta fish, also known as Siamese Fighting Fish, originated from small ponds and rivers of Thailand and Cambodia. They are primarily carnivorous surface feeders and can live up to four years in captivity.
Poor water quality inside their tank increases their susceptibility to important diseases. Like any other species of fish, their health is closely linked with the existing conditions in their environment. To keep your Betta healthy, you should make it a point to check the tank’s conditions frequently, coupled with regular cleaning and intensive care.
The Betta can suffer from various health problems caused by bacteria, fungi, protozoa, viruses, and parasites. Distinct symptoms are often manifested and should give you a clue there is something wrong with your fish which needs to be addressed as soon as possible.
Betta Fish Care: Lists of Symptoms, Diseases and Cures
Disease Condition | Cause | Symptoms | Prevention and Treatment | Remarks |
Fuzz | Fungus (Saprolegnia sp. and Achlya sp.) | White fluffy appearance on the body, and may include small gray tufts on the fin areas |
| Usually an opportunistic infection that attacks immune-compromised fish recovering from another disease, subjected to a lot of stress, or has been exposed to poor water conditions for quite a long time. |
Fin Rot or Tail Rot | Bacteria |
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Swim Bladder Disease | Bacteria |
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Ick (also known as Ich or White Spot) | Parasite (Ichthyopthirius sp.) |
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There are all sorts of things that can affect the health of your fish. The most common illnesses are usually bacterial or parasitic, sometimes fungal diseases, and on occasion physical ailments. Learn about all types of maladies on our extensive Aquarium Fish Diseases and Treatments page.
Peter Hartono is the founder and CEO of Just Aquatic – a proud Australian company that provides a wide selection of live aquatic plants, aquarium decorations and betta fish tanks and supplies.
Featured Image Credit: Wirestock Creators, Shutterstock