Females Lip Coming Away

[juliehainsworth]

Ok it looks as if my females mouth/top lip is coming away! She still eats and acts fine! It looks like she has opened her mouth to attack someone and its not moved back into place! She seems fine in herself and still starts on the others every now and then. I was wondering if there was anything I could do for her? I'm thinking possibly take her out of the tank and see if I can gently push the lip back in place! It's been like this for at least two days now!

 

[Joby]

Have had fry with lock-jaw before but not an adult. I did try and put it back in place but never managed it and over the days the poor little guys open mouth turned into a slit and then it couldn't eat at all so I had to cull was heartbreaking.

Just give it a little go yourself if you can. Put her on a wet piece of kitchen roll or something or leave her in the net. Gently manipulate the jaw, you will have to try and pull out and gently. Not easy on a wriggling betta I considered using some clove oil when I tried but was worried of putting them to sleep for good as its all I use that for

Good luck!

 

[juliehainsworth]

I'll give it a go tonight! I hope I dont have to put her to sleep as she is my favorite female! The poor girl!

Thanks for replying Joby

 

[ILM]

If she isn't showing signs of being in distress and if she's still eating and basically acting normal, just leave it. Your touching it would probably do more harm (how forceful is too forceful for a small fish? Plus there's the germ transfer issue, and add in the the stress factor). Keep an eye on her because it could be the start of something that will need to be treated as soon as you can determine what it is--but hopefully it'll just either go away by itself of she won't be bothered by it at all. Incidentally, some bettas will grab the other betta by the lips--it's part of their fighting technique.

 

[juliehainsworth]

I had a go at trying to push it back in but it wouldnt go back! She then jumped out of the net and onto the floor I picked her up and thought she was bleeding from the lip so I put her back in the tank! I then saw what looked like a bloodworm coming out of it so I caught her again so I could try and remove the worm but it had gone back in! I gave her a salt bath and hope that might have done something! I have no idea what this thing is but it really creeps me out! None of my other fish are showing any signs! I plan on giving her a salt bath again when I get home! If anyone has any ideas of what this could be or how I can treat it please let me know!