Fish help? Fungus or bacteria or parasite and what to do...?

P

penguin

New member
This might be long but please read it!

I work at a pet shop and one of the bettas has a serious infection. I think it is a fungal infection. Here is the thing; the fish has what literally looks like a bite out of his head. Behind the eye and in front of the dorsal fin, there is a huge chunk of betta missing. You can see the pink fleshy inside tissue. I believe the fungus developed because of an injury to the head and then made it worse...? The fungus is a white, thread like growth that has developed around the wound.

What do you think is the best way to treat this...? Would a fungicide or other treatment harm him with all of his internal cavity exposed like that? Do salt treatments work?

Also, he is in a cup right now. I know it's awful and only contributes to the issue. Should I set up a tank for him? Would being in a cycling tank be worse or equally bad or better for him. The advantage of that is also that I could get him a heater. He is NOT my fish, but if you think he is saveable, I might fishnap him and try to help. Again, I don't know how this dude is alive. He swims around and eats as if there is nothing wrong. It's almost surreal...anyways, I would rather not spend 60 dollars setting up a tank if he is just going to die...but i also want to give him a chance since he has made it over a week in his current condition and acts like hes fine...hes a toughie i thinl...so please let me know what you think I should do...
 
Well, I'm glad to hear you care enough to want to set up a tank for him and save the little guy.

If he isn't exhibiting lethargic behaviour, and if he seems all fine and dandy minus the infection, then I recommend fish-napping and setting up a new tank for the little guy.

Betta's are hardy, but when faced with a fungal infection such as this, it is much harder for them to stay alive if placed in an unestablished tank. If you can, steal some water from a cycled tank inside the pet store and somehow transport it into the tank that you've made in order to cycle the new tank for your betta.

Now for the treatments. An anti-parasite treatment would work, as well as the salt bath. Add one teaspoon of salt for every five gallons of water and only time will tell. If the treatments end up working, then you'll have yourself a survivor, but if not, at least you can say you tried. Maybe it won't be a waste of money, maybe you can re-use your tank for another betta?

Good luck!
 
doesn't it sound horrible ? ironically it sounds as if the guy is not gonna make it...

but at least u can try raising the temp as high as 82 F
the medication like acriflavine, neutroflavine and copper sulfates are often used to treat the fungus.... i also recommend strictly raising the temp... as at that high a temp the bacteria would probably not survive hence eliminating the bacteria attack probability. (most likely it has already been affected)

change the water partially every day.... and plz do add aquarium salt 1 tsp per 10 gallons... the guy is seriously stressed

still believe it is very hard but not impossible....
 
doesn't it sound horrible ? ironically it sounds as if the guy is not gonna make it...

but at least u can try raising the temp as high as 82 F
the medication like acriflavine, neutroflavine and copper sulfates are often used to treat the fungus.... i also recommend strictly raising the temp... as at that high a temp the bacteria would probably not survive hence eliminating the bacteria attack probability. (most likely it has already been affected)

change the water partially every day.... and plz do add aquarium salt 1 tsp per 10 gallons... the guy is seriously stressed

still believe it is very hard but not impossible....
 
doesn't it sound horrible ? ironically it sounds as if the guy is not gonna make it...

but at least u can try raising the temp as high as 82 F
the medication like acriflavine, neutroflavine and copper sulfates are often used to treat the fungus.... i also recommend strictly raising the temp... as at that high a temp the bacteria would probably not survive hence eliminating the bacteria attack probability. (most likely it has already been affected)

change the water partially every day.... and plz do add aquarium salt 1 tsp per 10 gallons... the guy is seriously stressed

still believe it is very hard but not impossible....
 
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