The Fin Rot Disease of Betta Fish
The fin rot disease of betta fish is a common fish disease, mainly manifested by symptoms such as incomplete edges of the fish fins, pale color, and the caudal fin taking on a broom-like shape. This disease is mainly caused by factors such as water quality deterioration, bacterial infection, or physical damage.
Causes of the Disease
Water Quality Deterioration: Excessive levels of ammonia nitrogen and nitrite are the primary factors that induce surface ulcers. Overfeeding, insufficient efficiency of the filtration system, and too low a frequency of water changes can all lead to the accumulation of toxins.
Bacterial Infection: Pathogenic bacteria such as Aeromonas hydrophila and Flavobacterium columnare reproduce more rapidly at high temperatures. They invade through the damaged skin surface, causing tissue necrosis.
Physical Damage: Wounds caused by the sharp edges of decorations or the biting of other fish in mixed breeding, if not treated in a timely manner, may develop into ulcers within 24 hours.
Symptoms
Tail Burning: The edge of the betta fish's tail looks as if it has been eaten by an unknown object. It is incomplete, with the edge turning pale in color, and the caudal fin is in a broom-like shape.
Tail Clamping: The betta fish's caudal fin is like being stuck with glue and cannot open normally. The fish has poor vitality, and over time, the caudal fin will necrotize.
Fin Rot and Pinholes: The appearance of pinholes in the fish fins may be caused by bacterial fin rot or parasites.
Treatment Methods
Stabilize Water Quality: Lower the pH value of the water, and use sea salt or yellow powder for sterilization to prevent wound infections.
Drug Treatment:
Yellow Powder: Add 15mg of yellow powder (nitrofurazone) per liter of water. After changing 30% of the water every day, replenish the medicine, and continue for 7 days.
Potassium Permanganate Medicated Bath: Dissolve 1 gram of potassium permanganate in 50 liters of water. The solution should be light purple, and soak the fish for 20 minutes.
Oxytetracycline: Put 0.5 grams of oxytetracycline into every 100 liters of water, and use it in combination with raising the water temperature to 30°C.
Salt Bath: Use a 0.3% salt solution in the initial stage, and for severe symptoms, it can be increased to 0.5%. Inhibit the proliferation of bacteria by changing the osmotic pressure.
Physical Treatment: Raise the water temperature by 1-2°C and keep it between 24-27°C. Add a small amount of sea salt or table salt, and change one-fourth of the water every day.
Preventive Measures
Keep Water Quality Clean: Change the water regularly, lower the pH value of the water, and use acidic substances such as lazy liquid to adjust the water quality.
Disinfection Treatment: Disinfect the decorations and live food to prevent physical damage and the invasion of parasites.