Why does my baby betta have a pink string on her side? Parasite?

It is not uncommon to get external parasites living in aquariums. For example anchor worms are really common and will bury into the fish leaving a white trail hanging out. I would suggest changing 70% water to reduce parasite and eggs, clean your filter and then treat the water with bettafix or bettazing which helps to kill parasites. Be careful you arent overfeedibg as this can encourage parasites.

Thanks for reaching out about Fred and including a picture. It is difficult to identify on the picture, but there is a small spherical red mass not he left lower body wall, that could be a wound, hypertrophic (enlarged) skin cell, or other concern (neoplasia). The recommendation is to monitor the mass for growth and if increases, seek an appointment with a veterinarian with experience in aquatics. Good luck.

thanks for reaching out about Bebba. Black spots are often the result of inflammatory or infectious irritations to the skin. Melanin, which is responsible for the black, is part of the immune system in fish. The melanin is mobilized from deep in the skin, to the surface in response to a problem. As a young fish, probably newly acquired, it is worrisome regarding an external parasite. A veterinary visit should be scheduled to perform a skin scrape to identify the parasite, as different parasites require different treatments. Good luck.

Hi, and thanks for your question. You can actually attach the pics to the question if you like. This description of the lesions could be compatible with a parasite or possibly a bacterial infection. Begin by submitting a water sample for quality testing. Most pet stores will do this for free or a nominal fee. Clinical examination should always include a water quality check, even if you have done so already. Water testing should be performed with a quality test kit, measuring NH4, NO2 and NO3. High ammonia levels, PH imbalances may be responsible for these signs. Oxygen concentration and quality of the filters should be determined as well. If water quality is good and there are no major imbalances, your fish should get examined to look for any sign of bacterial/fungal/parasitic infection and eventually water should be treated. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

Thanks for reaching out about Kai and including photos. This could be a solitary Ich lesion (which is unusual, as there are usually multiple) or a hyper-active mucous gland. Check water parameters for pH, ammonia, nitrites and nitrates, correcting any problems. If more lesions appear, a veterinary visit can help with a diagnosis through a microscopic examination of a skin scrape, and therefore prescribe the appropriate treatment. Good luck.

Check water quality using a home test kit if you have one. If not, bring a water sample to the local pet or fish store. Either may test water for free or for a nominal fee. Confirm 0 ppm (parts per million) ammonia and nitrites. Nitrates should be 40 ppm or less. Partial water changes using aged or conditioned water can be done to improve water quality. Many times poor water quality can lead to stress or infection. The symptoms described may point to swim bladder disease. This can be caused by infection, constipation, stress or parasites. The red rash may indicate infection. Fast your fish for 3 days then offer bits of cooked, shelled green peas until they are swimming and defecating normally. A product such as Maracyn or Kanaplex may treat infection. You can purchase either (or generic antibiotics such as tetracycline amoxicillin or erythromycin) in the aquarium section of the local pet or fish store. Follow label directions carefully and remove the carbon filter insert if indicated during treatment. Make sure water temperature is between 78 F and 80 F, this is the optimal range for bettas.

This could be a fungal or bacterial infection. Less likely is a parasite. Maintain pristine water quality via filtration and regular partial water changes. Maintain water temp between 78 F and 80 F. Consider a broad spectrum antibiotic or an all-in-one type treatment. Either can be found in the aquarium section of the local Petco. Follow label directions carefully and remove the carbon filter insert during treatment if indicated. You can also add in some plain aquarium salt (NOT table or Epsom salt) to reduce stress, improve gill function, treat minor infection and aid in recovery. Dissolve up to 1 teaspoon per gallon of water. Salt can be used in conjunction with an antibiotic or other treatment.