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My betta came home last Thursday and was fine and well. Yesterday, around midday, he developed a large black spot on his fin. After that, his health rapidly decreased. His fins began to disappear, his body became pale, and he looked like he was rotting. He lives in a 5 gallon tank with a filter and heater, the water is treated with stress coat and aquarium salt. He doesnt seem any better. What could this be and how do we treat it?

My betta came home last Thursday and was fine and well. Yesterday, around midday, he developed a large black spot on his fin. After that, his health rapidly decreased. His fins began to disappear, his body became pale, and he looked like he was rotting. He lives in a 5 gallon tank with a filter and heater, the water is treated with stress coat and aquarium salt. He doesnt seem any better. What could this be and how do we treat it?

Updated On November 1st, 2017

Pet's info: Fish | Unknown - Fish | Male | unneutered | 0.3 lbs

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Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

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The black spot may be infection or ammonia burn. Check water quality using a home test kit or submit a sample for testing. Most pet stores or fish stores will do this for free or for a small fee. He also appears to be suffering from fin rot. If a new tank was not cycled, toxins (ammonia, nitrites and nitrates) can build up and cause infection or even death. The poor water quality will also affect finnage. Daily water changes may be enough to allow for healing. Use only aged or conditioned water that is temperature matched to prevent stress or shock. Bettas do best in water between 78 F and 80 F. Conditioning products I recommend are AmQuel, NovAqua and StressCoat. Aquarium salt can be used at 1 teaspoon per gallon of water. Make sure it is dissolved completely before pouring it into the tank. Add only enough salt to the water being replaced, not the entire tank volume. If you can, turn down the filter flow to produce a weak current. If this does not improve his condition, a broad spectrum antibiotic can be used. You can find one in the aquarium section of the local pet or fish store. Read label directions carefully and remove the carbon filter insert if indicated.

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