Pretty Elaphant Ear "zinfandel"

[wolfsgurl]

Hey there

I'm just showing off my brand new little guy, Zinfandel... Hes from petco, but seems to be decently healthy, fingers crossed he stays that way!
 
My first betta, Blueberry (standard blue veiltale), perished from a chronic case of fin rot and occasional bad fish-parenting a few days ago (hangs head in shame) but I'm excited to start again with gorgeous little Zin.
 
(On a side note, Blueberry's overall poor health wasnt all my fault, poor thing was sold to me in one of those tiny little bowls and I stupidly believed the seller who said I could keep him there. Within a few days, after an afternoon of research and a quick crash course in betta care, I knew I had to do better, but I wasnt able to get him into a bigger tank for several weeks for various legitimate reasons... by which time he'd contracted the fin rot. Sorry, felt the need to explain myself, i guess I still feel guilty about Blueberry. Rest in peace little one, I'm sorry I didnt know better at first but I hope your in a happier place now.

)
 
Anyway I'm rambling. Welcome home Zinfandel! He's a Elephant Ear male, delta tail I think, and I'm absolutely in love with his coloring, the pictures dont do him justice.
 

 

 
Hes still in the store bowl in those pics, by the time I got him into his new home it was nighttime and bad lighting and such. May post more pictures later once he settles in and stops freaking out

 

[Wildbetta]

He is beautiful !!   I can't wait to see pics when he is in his new home and less stressed.  I have a feeling his colors are going to be gorgeous.  I love elephant ear bettas, even more so when they are the longer fin types. (there are a lot of elephant ear plakats)
 
Don't beat yourself up over Blueberry.  Most of us have done something similar when starting out.

 

[Shelster]

Look forward to seeing photos of his home

 

[wolfsgurl]

Zin is settling in happily, looks like he doesnt know what to do with himself now that he has so much space haha. Spent first half hour just poking his head into everywhere.  His purple has darkened up some, and his fins now look almost flourescent blue in certain lighting. Still has the cute little white spot on his head.
 
adjusting:

 
exploring around his new home

 

 

 
showing off his fins =]

 

[wendywc]

Gorgeous guy!  His fins look like they are billowing like a cloud.

 

[Shelster]

Lovely fish, gives me a flutter of excitement about when I eventually get mine!

This is what I'm hoping I can get hold of- just love the colouring!

 

[wolfsgurl]

very pretty coloring on that betta.
 
Unfortunately, I think Zinfandel has developed ammonia burns around his gill area, at any rate hes developed this icky brown around them over night. Wont be able to test ammonia levels until tomorrow or thursday though

 
Also: I've gotten it into my head that maybe that white spot on his head/back might be ich. Does anyone who's actually seen ich want to offer an opinion? Please?

 

[wolfsgurl]

update... I know its not ich now, but will continue to keep an eye on it. Also brown around gills is fading. Clearly i'm just paranoid after what Blueberry went through lol.

 

[RCA]

Zinfandel looks great and happy in his new surroundings.  He looks similar in colouring to some of my Lavender females, who are also Big Ears, and have lovely characters.  Wishing you all the best with him, I hope he continues to thrive for you.