- 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.