Why is there fuzzy stuff on your betta?

Fungus

- Fuzzy white, gray, or clear, cotton-like growth may be fungal in nature.

- Fungus can attack a betta fish's wounds and cause extensive ulceration.

-Fungus can also infect the betta fish's gills.

Treatment: Anti-fungal medication, methylene blue, and aquarium salt can be used to treat fungal infections.

Prevention: Keep your water quality good, avoid overfeeding, and quarantine new fish before adding them to your main display tank.

Columnaris

-Fuzzy white or gray growth with ragged edges that spreads rapidly is typically Columnaris.

- Columnaris, or cotton mouth disease, is caused by a bacteria that attacks fish already in poor health or under stress.

Treatment: Antibacterial medications, such as kanamycin or erythromycin, can be used to treat Columnaris.

Prevention: Keeping your water quality high and avoiding stress are the best ways to prevent Columnaris.

Velvet

- A very fine gold velvety film that covers part of the betta fish's body could indicate velvet, which is a parasitic infection.

- The betta may also exhibit increased mucus production, rapid breathing, and clamped fins.

Treatment: Medications that contain copper or an anti-parasitic medicine like chloroquine can be used to treat velvet. Raise the temperature of the aquarium to 82-86° F (28-30° C). Do not treat with salt, as it can worsen the condition.

Prevention: Quarantine new fish before adding them to your main tank, and avoid overfeeding.