My First Betta - Wow What A Plucky Little Fella!

[Kariann]

I've been looking forward to getting a betta for months now and the tank was finally cycled and readings good yesterday, so I rushed along to LFS today to pick one out. Only to find that they only had one left, but he seemed well and alert and was a vibrant silky red and looked cute anyway so I bought him. He does have what looks like a little bit of fin damage, does this heal at all?

WOW - I read lots about them before buying but I didn't realise he would have such a personality. Really friendly - ie. comes to the front of the tank if you go up to it and will even follow my finger....I'm sure this behaviour is common but I'm really taken.

When I turned off the lights in the room, leaving only his light on he must have seen a reflection or something because he started flaring his fins and gills. Heard about this but it's great to see. HE'S GREAT.

 

[squiremaster]

I've been looking forward to getting a betta for months now and the tank was finally cycled and readings good yesterday, so I rushed along to LFS today to pick one out. Only to find that they only had one left, but he seemed well and alert and was a vibrant silky red and looked cute anyway so I bought him. He does have what looks like a little bit of fin damage, does this heal at all?

WOW - I read lots about them before buying but I didn't realise he would have such a personality. Really friendly - ie. comes to the front of the tank if you go up to it and will even follow my finger....I'm sure this behaviour is common but I'm really taken.

When I turned off the lights in the room, leaving only his light on he must have seen a reflection or something because he started flaring his fins and gills. Heard about this but it's great to see. HE'S GREAT.

ANSWER TO YOUR QUESTION: no it doesn't heal but your Betta will live its lifespan with the fin damage

 

[newfishy]

[/quote]
ANSWER TO YOUR QUESTION: no it doesn't heal but your Betta will live its lifespan with the fin damage
[/quote]

that is incorrect, fin damage can heal with time and clean water.

 

[MewMew42]

that is incorrect, fin damage can heal with time and clean water.

I second that

I've had many a fish that have had their fins ripped, but good clean water will help them heal and over time he will be as good as new =]

 

[newfishy]

indeed I have resqued a few walmart fish with fins eaten to nothing and they grew back lovely. a few spawners too that didnt look so great, they grow back evenutaly with good care.

 

[Kariann]

Thanks. It's nice to know that he might heal, but I really don't mind he's still beautiful. Are they usually so responsive to movement/people outside their tank? He seems really active when we're around.

Also feeding flakes at moment (have already for community) but considering getting him something designed for Bettas any view on OCEAN NUTRITION ATISON'S BETTA PRO FOOD - any good?

 

[newfishy]

Thanks. It's nice to know that he might heal, but I really don't mind he's still beautiful. Are they usually so responsive to movement/people outside their tank? He seems really active when we're around.

Also feeding flakes at moment (have already for community) but considering getting him something designed for Bettas any view on OCEAN NUTRITION ATISON'S BETTA PRO FOOD - any good?

he may be hungry, the attisons is a good food

 

[silverrabbit]

Aww, he sounds lovely

Mine all seem to have great personalities - and each one different! I want pics!

 

[Netty]

We had a fish arrive with most of his caudal fin missing and after a few months of clean water it grew back completely and he was a beauty. You just need to keep him very clean and be patient as it can take some time.

We feed all ours Attisons Betta Pro.....it's a great food. The main ingredient is brineshrimp embryo and it is high in protein.

 

[Kariann]

cheers folks. Really love this forum. Nice people and handy hints. Can't seem to get pic (rubbish camera or poss. rubish operator....lol) will try to get some.

Any thoughts on best decor? Currently have a little log with silk plants attached, he seems to like swimming through log and plants, but looking for a little more to keep him busy/happy. Caves, rocks, more plants

You all seem to know and love your bettas so I'd really value your thoughts.

 

[Netty]

Congrats on your betta and welcome to the betta section.

Some things that ours like are coconut caves (sanded down to take away the roughness), little terracotta pots that alot of aquatic plants come in....so free!!! Also floating amazon frogbit.....they love to hang out in the roots.

Just make sure that anything you put in has no rough edges that could rip your Betta's delicate fins. One method of testing is by running a pair of tights across and if they don't snag then it'll be Betta safe

 

[LionMom]

Congrats on your new family member - he sounds like a real charmer!!!!

And, yes, as stated the fins WILL grow back. It just may take some time - plenty of clean water and lots of patience.