Fungus is a very serious illness and if spotted on your betta it is important that you begin treatment right away. Fungus, if left untreated, can very quickly take over your betta with the end result being death. The sooner you begin treatment the better your betta’s chance of survival.
Bettas are most susceptible to fungus attacks when the mucus slime coating (stress coat) on the skin of betta has been worn down because of stress due to poor water conditions, injuries, or damage by parasites.
SYMPTOMS
White growths on the body and/or fins that are fluffy/fuzzy in appearance. May appear as long strands looking similar to fine hairs pulled from a cotton ball. May appear as small patches of short white fuzz. Symptoms matching the above would be signs of fungus types caused by bacteria.
TREATMENT
Jungle Fungus Eliminator comes in the form of yellow crystals, and the dosage breakdown would be (per Jungle Laboratories) 1/4 teaspoon per gallon of water. Also, adding aquarium salt, (not table salt) would aid in his healing as well as provide added protection. The dosage during treatment would be 1 teaspoon per gallon.
A more severe type of Fungus is one known as “True” Fungus
Symptoms: Patches on skin of fish smooth or slimy in appearance. These patches may be white, gray or milky and would be flush with the skin. Blood and raw flesh may appear around the outside. As the illness progresses, portions of the bettas skin will dissolve away.
Recommended Treatment: Maroxy (Mardel Labs) used in combination with any “one” of the following for treatment/prevention of secondary infections: Maracyn, Maracyn-two, or Tetracycline Tablets.
View Healthy Betta’s Aquarium & Fish Medication Dosing Made Easy for simple 1-gallon fish tank medicine doses.
Additional Procedures
Added aeration may be beneficial for your betta while treating with medication to provide them with more oxygen.
Clean water is always important for a betta, but is especially beneficial for any betta facing an illness. You may find it helpful to change your betta’s water more frequently while you are treating with any medication.
Always keeping your betta warm, between 76-82 degrees F, will also help them to feel more comfortable and raise their immune system.
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One Response
Milo
February 20th, 2009 at 1:36 pm
1Other symptoms of Columnaris (bacterial fungus) include faded color, loss of appetite, lethargy, and fraying fins. I took my betta out of my main tank thinking I’d be treating fin rot, but soon found out it was Columnaris. Unlike other medicines, you can safely use API’s Melafix (which treats bacterial infections) and Pimafix (which treats fungal infections and helps to repair damaged tissue) together without harming your fish- that way no matter if it’s Columnaris or true fungus, you’ve covered your bases and help prevent secondary infections.