Damaged Betta

[arobinson1984]

I have a male betta in my community tank, and has been in there for over a year. No fish have been added for about 2 months. And all water stats are fine using API master test kit.

I have just noticed tonight that my betta has a cut on the side of its face which looks sore and red and sort of lumps out a bit and I didnt notice it on the betta earlier today. I dont think it has been attacked as like I said the majority of the fish have been in together for a year and get along fine. What I think has happened is that I have just done my regular partial water change and I think me pouring the water in has scared the betta and it has caught itself on something such as an ornament etc.

I have put in a hard plastic floating breeding trap and put the betta in it so no fish can get to it as a precaution and to try prevent infection.

What I want to know is, should I add anything to help heal it or should I just leave it in the breeding trap and wait for it to heal itself??

Any help would be greatly appreciated

Andy

 

[WILDER]

To stop infection usually add some melafix, Don't use full dose straight away as some fish don't tolerate it towell. So just go in with half dose.
Do you have an isolation tank.

 

[arobinson1984]

Thanks for the quick reply,

We have 3 tanks but are all fully stocked so dont have a spare tank for isolation. I will keep the betta segragated from the others in the breeding trap and will purchase some melafix tomorrow.

Thanks for your advice wilder.

Andy

 

[WILDER]

Good Luck.

 

[arobinson1984]

Thanks wilder, I have purchased some melafix and half dosed so will keep you updated of the progress

Andy

 

[WILDER]

Hows the wound looking. Has the swelling gone down.

 

[arobinson1984]

The swelling has gone down slightly but the cut is still an open wound but I have only added 1 half dose this morning, and i also just remembered that I forgot to remove the carbon in my filter so I'll remove it soon and add another half dose.

I've also just noticed that the betta has what looks like popeye on the other side of its head, now its hard to tell if it is pop eye or just that it looks like it because of the swollen side which may be swollen out around the eye making it look further in if you know what I mean. Anyway melafix can be used for popeye so I'll keep treating with that, didnt notice any ill affects from the melafix, all my other fish seem fine.

Andy

 

[WILDER]

See if the melafix helps. If the eye still swollen in a few days get back to the board.

Could the betta have trapped his head in something in the tank.

 

[arobinson1984]

Possibly, he has been a bit quiet the last week because I added a powerhead and new external filter with spray bar and I know they prefer a calmer tank, but he seemed ok and just hung around the the calmer areas of the tank.

He doesnt like being close to the disturbance when I'm pouring in water during a water change, thats what makes me think it scared him. There is a plastic ship wreck in the tank so he could have caught himself on that I suppose.

Andy

 

[WILDER]

Good Luck.