An Intriguing Challenge

[Azaeil]

I've recently gotten a new betta to my sizeable family of bettas - he is a partial albino with the classic red-eye that the full-albis have. When I first got him I thought he was just simply going through some minor betta depression - in which all of my fish have snapped out of within a day or two (he wasn't an exception in his condition). However, when I monitored him and tried to get him to react to a handheld mirror, he didn't twitch to any visual stimulation, not even to Laren, his black companion who shared the divided transition tank with him. The next tip off I got was that when he moved he would move with his nose against the tank walls until he bumped into a corner, and stopped before turning or settling to the bottom to rest. The final queue I got that he was truly blind was when I brought my finger much closer than a normal betta would allow, and he didn't react until I actually lightly touched him along the side, then he reacted as if he got spooked.

This condition has brought out an interesting behavior change in Laren - he never once flared at the albino after the first hour, and the next morning I hesitantly removed the divider to clean their tank and he simply just explored the half Osel was in and came close to the white betta, but only to look at him. This behavior never changed while I had them in another container to change out their water. They're both in separate containers now, with Laren in a transitioner container until I can get him a bigger tank like the others.

However, my main concern with this new revalation is how can I get Osel to find his food, and if he can nagivate to it by smell, what is the best kind of food to use with him? I've tried a pellet, a bloodwoorm, and a flake - all three he has not responded to. I may end up getting those dissolving tablets, but I want to hear the advice of someone who's raised a betta in this condition.

Images of Osel and Laren-

-Osel is not normally in this position, he just happened to be in that nose-down posture with his fins flared out-

-Laren's split tail condition is from before I got him, but he is on the mend! The fish in the bare tank next to him is Asol, my boy who had some fin rot I battled, and I'm now treating him with Melafix and it seems to be helping so far in regrowing his beautiful tines he had. He looks black in this image but he's really a vibrant blue and yellow, with the yellow branching out on his tail fin like sunrays, and his other fins are dominantly yellow. I put some Melafix in Laren's tank to speed his recovery and it seems to be working, the tear isn't as bad in the photo as it was the night before.

I will be posting images of my other bettas soon as well - there are two females I have that I'm pondering about concerning their breed, I know one is a definite veil, but the other has some spiking going on in her tail, not noticeable until looked at up close.

 

[keithp]

The red eye is very interesting. You have a very,very, rare fish there! I hear albinos have poor vision due to lack of pigment in the eye, mabye he is partially blind? Read this it might be of help, http/www.predatoryfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?223-Red-Eye-Bettas

This was on there-

Albino Bettas which found are weak, due to short live. Little people are able to survived Albino for 6 month up. This strain is hardly able to breed. Little is really known about this Strain. It is a highly prized Strain because of its extreme rarity.

If it's true, just know that he might or might not improve, but stay hopeful! There are always exceptions!

My advice though is get a bigger tank, that's way too small, at least 3-5 gallons would be good, large enough where you can add a heater. If he is having trouble eating or swimming then it's ok for now, to make sure he doesnt have to struggle. But that plant might be getting in the way, and if he had a bigger tank, then he would have more room to swim around it, a live plant would be better, it's softer than plastic, so if he bumps into it he wont get hurt.

Red eyes make them very sensitive to light, so avoid bright or direct lighting!

I'm not trying to sound mean, but a heater and more room will be of a help to him.

Frozen bloodworms and brine shrimp should surely get him to find them, or wiggle some in front of him on a toothpick perhaps, to train him to eat. If he lived to be an adult he has to be eating and finding food somewhat well, so i'm sure he can see somewhat, if only moving shadows. But bettas CAN smell good, so he can find food by smell. The hikari betta pellets are good with the other foods, they float for some time, and being bettas need to come to the surface, he should find them quickly.

If he does improve and eats well, spoil him, he really is one of a kind! You are very lucky to have him he is special! If you can get a video of him on Youtube a lot of people will want to see him!

I hope he pulls through!

Here is a full albino betta.-

 

[Azaeil]

I'm not sure about injuries as I've never seen a case like this in the animal world, he doesn't respond to any kind of movement within and outside his tank. Plus both of his eyes are that red color effect, and it's not a trick of the camera - the flash was off.

They will be moved into a bigger tank, these are temporary tanks to make sure they're good and ready to be moved into a larger environment I don't like stressing a fish by trying to scoop them out of a bigger tank to medicate them when they're already in a ready-to-go medical container.

If I could I would gladly put them into a tank with live plants, but as it is currently, I lack the funds having as yet no job for a proper income to move them into big tanks much less buy them plants, however, there is a nearby petco that will be having a tank sale soon, so we'll see..

My trepidation is moving him into a tank larger than a 2 gal because he keeps to the walls and doesn't rise often. He was extremely lethargic when I took him in, but rest assured he will be a very treasured companion when he manages to pull through and I find a feeding technique that's good for him. It was really sad to see him in the back of the shelf around rather aggressive reds, the black was off on a side shelf and I wanted to smack someone for putting a king betta in those cups they had them in, he looked really unhappy, and I would have gladly taken him home except for his price.

Thanks for the reference image! I did see an albino once that wasn't a see-through, but he was already claimed :C

Edit- that article pretty much describes Osel as a partial, but it's still odd that he's even bumped into the food, but didn't snap it up. We'll see how he progresses from here.

 

[keithp]

I'm not sure about injuries as I've never seen a case like this in the animal world, he doesn't respond to any kind of movement within and outside his tank. Plus both of his eyes are that red color effect, and it's not a trick of the camera - the flash was off.

Ok so he probably IS fully blind then, which would explain why the other bettas dont phase him. So that eliminates the injury theory.

They will be moved into a bigger tank, these are temporary tanks to make sure they're good and ready to be moved into a larger environment I don't like stressing a fish by trying to scoop them out of a bigger tank to medicate them when they're already in a ready-to-go medical container.

I understand , just be careful with Melafix, I read somewhere here is might not be good for bettas. Someone else might know.

If I could I would gladly put them into a tank with live plants, but as it is currently, I lack the funds having as yet no job for a proper income to move them into big tanks much less buy them plants, however, there is a nearby petco that will be having a tank sale soon, so we'll see..

Trust me if you can, they will love a larger area, and especially your partial albino, he needs extra special care now. I got my Eclipse 3 (3 gallon) from Amazon.com, it was about $50.00 though, but well worth it, they dont sell them in stores anymore, only Amazon or Ebay.

My trepidation is moving him into a tank larger than a 2 gal because he keeps to the walls and doesn't rise often. He was extremely lethargic when I took him in, but rest assured he will be a very treasured companion when he manages to pull through and I find a feeding technique that's good for him. It was really sad to see him in the back of the shelf around rather aggressive reds, the black was off on a side shelf and I wanted to smack someone for putting a king betta in those cups they had them in, he looked really unhappy, and I would have gladly taken him home except for his price.

You could put in a small, floating live plant, just make sure it doesnt crowd the whole surface. Petco sells them in small size i think for $6.00, Amazon Sword works great, all you need is 1, my bettas rest on the leaves of the floating plant at night. With his disability a 3 gallon should be ok, just avoid sharp objects or objects that will block his swimming. If you get a larger tank you could also add some small plants on the bottom.

Thanks for the reference image! I did see an albino once that wasn't a see-through, but he was already claimed :C

No problem, and I hope more people can offer advice too!

 

[Azaeil]

I'm not sure about injuries as I've never seen a case like this in the animal world, he doesn't respond to any kind of movement within and outside his tank. Plus both of his eyes are that red color effect, and it's not a trick of the camera - the flash was off.

Ok so he probably IS fully blind then, which would explain why the other bettas dont phase him. So that eliminates the injury theory.

They will be moved into a bigger tank, these are temporary tanks to make sure they're good and ready to be moved into a larger environment I don't like stressing a fish by trying to scoop them out of a bigger tank to medicate them when they're already in a ready-to-go medical container.

I understand , just be careful with Melafix, I read somewhere here is might not be good for bettas. Someone else might know.

If I could I would gladly put them into a tank with live plants, but as it is currently, I lack the funds having as yet no job for a proper income to move them into big tanks much less buy them plants, however, there is a nearby petco that will be having a tank sale soon, so we'll see..

Trust me if you can, they will love a larger area, and especially your partial albino, he needs extra special care now. I got my Eclipse 3 (3 gallon) from Amazon.com, it was about $50.00 though, but well worth it, they dont sell them in stores anymore, only Amazon or Ebay.

My trepidation is moving him into a tank larger than a 2 gal because he keeps to the walls and doesn't rise often. He was extremely lethargic when I took him in, but rest assured he will be a very treasured companion when he manages to pull through and I find a feeding technique that's good for him. It was really sad to see him in the back of the shelf around rather aggressive reds, the black was off on a side shelf and I wanted to smack someone for putting a king betta in those cups they had them in, he looked really unhappy, and I would have gladly taken him home except for his price.

You could put in a small, floating live plant, just make sure it doesnt crowd the whole surface. Petco sells them in small size i think for $6.00, Amazon Sword works great, all you need is 1, my bettas rest on the leaves of the floating plant at night. With his disability a 3 gallon should be ok, just avoid sharp objects or objects that will block his swimming. If you get a larger tank you could also add some small plants on the bottom.

Thanks for the reference image! I did see an albino once that wasn't a see-through, but he was already claimed :C

No problem, and I hope more people can offer advice too!

I will move him once I get a steady income, which shouldn't be far off, and thanks for the advice on the floating plants, I'll just really thoroughly rinse to plants to make sure no unwanted passengers get into his tank. Would it be advisable to have a tetra share the tank with him? I'd hop out right now and get them all set up but there are current issues that are stacked up before I had a chance to tackle them and get them done - focused around two vehicles.

 

[keithp]

Being he cant see or swim as well, I dont think he should be with any other animal, he may get nipped easily or stressed sensing they are in the tank, but unable to see them, or swim away from them fast. Plus, he would have food competition, he cant compete with anyone for that, it would not be fair. So for him only, I wold keep him alone.

Your other bettas should be able to be mixed with fish, but with bettas caution needs to be used, sometimes the bettas may kill the fish, or the fish stress bettas, you have to get the right species. For that I would post on here asking what fish to mix with your normal bettas.

 

[Azaeil]

Being he cant see or swim as well, I dont think he should be with any other animal, he may get nipped easily or stressed sensing they are in the tank, but unable to see them, or swim away from them fast. Plus, he would have food competition, he cant compete with anyone for that, it would not be fair. So for him only, I wold keep him alone.

Your other bettas should be able to be mixed with fish, but with bettas caution needs to be used, sometimes the bettas may kill the fish, or the fish stress bettas, you have to get the right species. For that I would post on here asking what fish to mix with your normal bettas.

Alright, all the others are currently in 1 gal holding tanks at a temp of 75 with bi-weekly water changes. I heard of a breeder nearby and I've yet to get in contact with him through the petstore we both use (petsmart). I was eyeballing a nice 10 gal shelf tank when I was at petco the day I got Osel and Laren, but there were some larger tanks that I could put a couple dividers in and house three bettas within them. Osel will for sure get a tank to himself then. And I heard something about the females that they can be kept in groups of at least 3? Supposedly to keep them from bullying and effectively set a pecking order..

 

[keithp]

I think for the females it was a group of 5 in a 20 gallon, with lots of plants. check on the forums here there are threads about it I think with more detail.

 

[Azaeil]

Ah, hmm, mebe it depends on the females' personalities as well, I mean it was interesting watching how Laren behaved around Osel, but it was very brief as I don't ever trust males to be like that for any length of time. And the two girls I have are rather different in personalities, one's a sasser and she conspicuously glances up at the surface when I come near, then look right at me again in a clear implication of "Yes I'm pretty now feed me". The other gets really excited and follows me all over her tank.

 

[zophie]

Ah, hmm, mebe it depends on the females' personalities as well, I mean it was interesting watching how Laren behaved around Osel, but it was very brief as I don't ever trust males to be like that for any length of time. And the two girls I have are rather different in personalities, one's a sasser and she conspicuously glances up at the surface when I come near, then look right at me again in a clear implication of "Yes I'm pretty now feed me". The other gets really excited and follows me all over her tank.

You have a amzing little boy- great find! To answer your question, you can keep females in groups of at least 4 . Its better too get them in groups of 5+ so that they can establish a pecking order. In a 10 gallon, you could have 4-5, and in a 20 gallon you could have 6+. You do not want to go over 10, though- the group can get too big, and fighting can occur. If you want more info on female bettas, you can talk to other forum members here- another pro of females is that they are more healthy- they have been bred much less the males, they do not have a eloganated tail. As Keith said, do not put anything in with your little guy- he could be picked on, and get stressed. When you have the money, go out and buy him a nice tank, of about 2.5 gallons or more. I highly reccomend a naturel setup with live plants- plants are filters for the water- with live plants you will not have to clean as much. Please talk to anyone on the forum if you need more help, and good luck with your amazing little albino!

Zophie

 

[Azaeil]

You have a amzing little boy- great find! To answer your question, you can keep females in groups of at least 4 . Its better too get them in groups of 5+ so that they can establish a pecking order. In a 10 gallon, you could have 4-5, and in a 20 gallon you could have 6+. You do not want to go over 10, though- the group can get too big, and fighting can occur. If you want more info on female bettas, you can talk to other forum members here- another pro of females is that they are more healthy- they have been bred much less the males, they do not have a eloganated tail. As Keith said, do not put anything in with your little guy- he could be picked on, and get stressed. When you have the money, go out and buy him a nice tank, of about 2.5 gallons or more. I highly reccomend a naturel setup with live plants- plants are filters for the water- with live plants you will not have to clean as much. Please talk to anyone on the forum if you need more help, and good luck with your amazing little albino!

Zophie

Thanks Zophie! All my bettas will be pampered as such, currently they have the best I can offer for the time being with conditioned water, a touch of Aquarium salt, at least once a week cleanings, and a variety of foods as well as stimulation. Osel is currently chilling in my bathroom where there is very low light 90% of the time due to no windows and the only source being the open door. I've got freeze-dried worms that I'll try soaking and putting into his tank to see if it perks him, he's been a couple days now without responding to attempts at putting food into his tank, and his companion was eating since day 1, so we'll see and fingers crossed he'll pull through from his ordeal at Petco.

 

[Azaeil]

Fast little update, I finally got Osel to eat today - I waited for him to come to the surface in an active spurt of energy and plopped a soaked bloodwoorm almost on top of him, he snapped it up as soon as his mouth bumped into it - so that's a relief there.

 

[keithp]

Fast little update, I finally got Osel to eat today - I waited for him to come to the surface in an active spurt of energy and plopped a soaked bloodwoorm almost on top of him, he snapped it up as soon as his mouth bumped into it - so that's a relief there.

That's great to hear, if it's working do that each feeding. If you can buy frozen foods eventually (like blooodworms or brine shrimp) they give off a good scent so your betta could probably find them on his own, freeze dried isnt as attractive scent wise. Plus you dont have to pre soak frozen, just thaw a cube in water for about a minute, and drop in a few worms or shrimp. 1 cube will feed all your bettas, with probably lots to spare. Petco might have them in there freezer section, or another pet store might sell them, jsut ask for frozen bloodworm or brine shrimp cubes. They also have frozen daphnia which can work as a laxative/or similar to how vegetables keep our digestive system working properly, similar to a de--shelled pea.

 

[Azaeil]

That's great to hear, if it's working do that each feeding. If you can buy frozen foods eventually (like blooodworms or brine shrimp) they give off a good scent so your betta could probably find them on his own, freeze dried isnt as attractive scent wise. Plus you dont have to pre soak frozen, just thaw a cube in water for about a minute, and drop in a few worms or shrimp. 1 cube will feed all your bettas, with probably lots to spare. Petco might have them in there freezer section, or another pet store might sell them, jsut ask for frozen bloodworm or brine shrimp cubes. They also have frozen daphnia which can work as a laxative/or similar to how vegetables keep our digestive system working properly, similar to a de--shelled pea.

The petsmart nearby has cubed brine shrimp, I'll stop by tomorrow and get a pack and keep an eye out for the bloodworms there too. The Petco I've been referring to is about 25 min away from the house vs 10-15 with the Petsmart, and the fish department folks know me there. I'll give Petco a call to find out when their sale is because I'm not sure if it'll pop up in the email alerts. If the sale's at $1 a gallon, I'll be snapping up a couple of 10 gal tanks and a separate tank for Osel. There's a question about specific silk plants to get because I've felt the ones at a petstore, and then ones at a hobby shop and both feel the same texture - so if I thoroughly wash hobby shop plants and arrange them into a specific cluster for less money than it would for weighted and sparse silk plants at a petshop - would that be advisable?

 

[keithp]

I not sure about silk, I used them once and the glue came off and the plants got yucky, thats why I switched to live. I guess it's your choice?
I saw the Petco sale advertised too $1 per gallon, it's a good deal!