Signs & Symptoms of Fin and Tail Rot in Bettas

Fin rot and tail rot are not diseases themselves, but are in fact conditions that result from various fungal or bacterial infections. These can be potentially fatal to your betta fish, which are known for their long, beautiful tails and fins. If you suspect that your fish may have fin rot or tail rot, there are a few signs you can look for as well as some treatments that can hopefully reverse the process.

  1. White Lining

    • Check the edges of the betta's fins for a thin white lining or film. This film is indicative of the beginning stages of fin rot and is usually a fungus.

    Inflamed Fins

    • The base of the fins of a fish with fin rot may be inflamed, as well as possibly bloody from the fungus or bacteria breaking through the scales. They may also begin to turn black.

    Deterioration

    • The deterioration stage of fin rot is when the fins begin to physically fall apart. They will become stringier, and large chunks of fin may completely vanish, particularly right below the fish's belly. The edges of the fins may be ragged or even dotted with holes.

    Treatment

    • The most obvious treatment is to simply clean the water, as the bacterial or fungal infections are brought about by poor water conditions. Change the water and add a dechlorinator to remove chlorine and keep the pH around 7.0. There are also commercial products like Bettafix or Melafix designed to help regrow damaged fins.

    Prevention

    • The best way to prevent fin or tail rot in bettas is to frequently change the water. Because most betta tanks do not use filters, bacteria build up in the water very quickly. Change the water about every four days in a 1 to 5 gallon (3.8 to 18.9 liter) tank. Dissolve a pinch of aquarium salt in a cup of dechlorinated water and add it to the tank during each change to keep fin and tail rot to a minimum. Be sure to pre-dissolve the salt, as adding pure salt to the fish's tank will burn its gills.