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My Betta fish has a bump on its head. What is it and how to treat?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Fish | Unknown - Fish | Male

My Betta fish has a bump on his head. The bump is the same color as his skin. It showed up rather quickly, within 10 hours or so. He's had it for twp days. I've had the Betta fish for 1 1/2 years. Whats' the bump and how do I get rid of it. Thank you Becky

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Angel Alvarado, LVT

Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on July 12th, 2018

Without an image or exam, it is difficult to say with any certainty what the lump may be. Infection or injury would be likely culprits. If he has anything sharp in his bowl, remove it. Check the water quality and chemistry as poor water quality can predispose him to infection. Use a home test kit or submit a water sample for testing. Most pet stores will do this for free or for a small fee. Aim for 0 ppm ammonia and nitrites with a nitrate level of 20 ppm or less. Partial water changes can be done to stabilize chemistry and improve water quality. Use only aged or conditioned water that is temperature matched to prevent stress or shock. Bettas do best between 78 F and 80 F. Change no more than 30% total volume at one time.
You can try using plain aquarium salt (NOT table or Epsom salt) as a general tonic. It can treat minor infection and helps aid in recovery. Dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt per gallon of water in a cup of tank water and gently pour it into the tank.
Treat for 10-14 days then reassess his condition. Perform water changes afterwards to reduce salinity. Do not use salt for more than 14 days in a row.
If there is no change, a broad spectrum antibiotic 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.
Vote Icon2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

    Licensed Veterinary Technician

    Published on March 26th, 2018

    Check the water chemistry and temperature. If incorrect, either can cause stress which will lead to illness. Perform a water change if necessary. Use only aged or conditioned water that is temperature matched to prevent further stress or shock. You can use ampicillin for fish in the tank. It can be found in the aquarium section of the local Petco. Follow label directions carefully and treat for 10-14 days then reassess his condition. It is important to maintain pristine water quality during this time to allow for healing.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

    Licensed Veterinary Technician

    Published on January 3rd, 2020

    The swelling doesn't look too significant. It could be "normal" for this particular fish. Keep an eye on it. If it grows rapidly, you may need to contact an aquatics specialist.
    In the meantime, maintain pristine water quality via filtration and regular partial water changes. Use only conditioned water that is temperature matched to prevent stress or shock. Bettas are tropical fish and do best between 78 F and 80 F.
    Plain aquarium salt (NOT table or Epsom salt) can be used as a general tonic to reduce stress, increase gill function, treat minor infection and aid in recovery. Dissolve up to 1 teaspoon per gallon of water and gently pour it into the tank. Treat for 2 weeks them reassess the area.

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    2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Todd Cecil

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 19th, 2019

    Thanks for reaching out about Kartoffel. A picture might help with ideas, but red dots could be a contusion but also an irritation, infection or parasitic infestation. A veterinary visit would be required to assess further. Maintain good water quality by measuring pH, ammonia, nitrites and nitrates. Correct any problems. If more lesion occur, a veterinary visit is more pressing.
    Good luck.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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