White lump and marks on Betta

[betta86]

Hi all

I recently bought a Betta from a local pet store saving it from a tiny tiny tank and giving him a larger tank all to himself. In buying him I noticed he had a white mark on his side and I hoped to treat whatever it was that he had.

I and a few others thought it was a fungal infection so I started him on a course of Pimafix yesterday.

As well as a white lump type mark on his side I thought it looked as though he has some white on one side around his gill.

I’d love to know what you think it all may be and whether I should continue with the Pimafix. I don’t want to give it to him if it’s actually something else he has that needs treated another way.

Any help would be appreciated. He’s a great wee guy, very peaceful temperament. Hopefully I can fix whatever is wrong

 

[PheonixKingZ]

Possibly the start of ich. (Or a missing scale)

Either way, 40%+ water changes per day for a week should clear things up. I wouldn’t get the Pimafix yet (unless you have already ordered it)

Pimafix does work for treating ich, I just see no need for a medication, unless the fishes condition is life threatening. You can get it if you choose.

 

[betta86]

Thanks so much for the speedy reply!
Yeah I’ve only given him Pimafix once and that was yesterday but didn’t want to continue if it was unnecessary.

He’s very active and bright and eating well and doesn’t seem to be bothered by it at all.

I’ll keep a close eye on him and will see how he does over the week.

 

[PheonixKingZ]

Thanks so much for the speedy reply!
Yeah I’ve only given him Pimafix once and that was yesterday but didn’t want to continue if it was unnecessary.

He’s very active and bright and eating well and doesn’t seem to be bothered by it at all.

I’ll keep a close eye on him and will see how he does over the week.

It could be a lifted scale, that got infected. If so, the water changes will help. (Hope it isn’t ich...)

Anyway, if his condition gets worse, or you have any questions, feel free to ask.

 

[betta86]

Hi all, a few weeks later the lump has definitely gotten bigger and looks like it’s popping out the side? Does anyone know what this could be? Like I said he was like this when I got him but the lump was smaller. It’s hard to show but it’s not a mark, it’s sticking out.
Any help would be great! Thanks!

 

[PheonixKingZ]

Does it seem like it’s full of liquid? (Sort of like a zit?)

 

[betta86]

It’s hard to say, at some angles it looks like it’s pushing through and I’m not sure if it’s a swelling coming from the inside? Hard to say if it looks liquid filled or just lumpy. Hopefully these photos will help.

 

[FishGuest5123]

It really almost looks fleshy at this point. I would do large 70% water changes daily for 10 days. At the same time, add 1 tablespoon of aquarium salt for every 5 gallons of dechlorinated water the first day. Be sure salt is dissolved before adding to tank. After 1st day, add 3/4 tablespoon of dissolved aquarium salt after 70% water change each day. The salt acts as an astringent to keep the wound clean and reduces stress. If after 5 days you aren’t seeing an improvement, you may want to treat with Seachem Kanaplex and API Furan-2 together. Keep us posted.

 

[Essjay]

Unfortunately betta86 lives in Scotland (Dundee) so won't be able to get the antibiotics.

 

[PheonixKingZ]

Definitely not ich.

Unfortunately betta86 lives in Scotland (Dundee) so won't be able to get the antibiotics.

But you can still get aquarium salt there, correct? Even if @betta86 doesn’t get the antibiotics, the salt and daily water changes will help.

 

[Essjay]

Yes, we can get salt. @betta86 it needs to be salt with nothing added - no anti caking agents (or iodine though that is more common in the US). You can buy aquarium salt from a fish shop, which is safe to use if a bit expensive.

 

[betta86]

Hi all,
I’ve started the aquarium salt and 70% water changes so will hopefully see an improvement soon.
I may be able to get some of the antibiotics on Amazon if needed. Would these be safe for cherry shrimp and snails as these are my Betta’s tank mates? I will maybe see first how it goes after the 10 days of water changes and salt and see if things improve.
His mood has changed dramatically as well lately, a lot of daily flaring and very active. I thought the flaring was at the shrimp but he’s flaring at the front of the tank even when no one is in front of it which he never did before. He was very peaceful before and would sleep in his cave at night and chill out on the moss balls. He definitely seems off.

 

[FishGuest5123]

I know Kanaplex is too strong for shrimp.