What's wrong with my betta's fins? Cotton fin or torn from cleaning?

Thanks for reaching out about Figi and including photos. The first thing that should be done is to test water quality for pH, ammonia, nitrites, nitrates and temperature (highs and lows, day and night). Correct any problems as fin conditions are dependent on good water quality. Secondly, review diet, pellets should be only used for 2-3 months after purchase as vitamin C degrades quickly, and fish are dependent on dietary sources. No particular brand is scientifically proven to be a 100% all-they-need-diet, so brands should be varied at each purchase. If these not the problem, a veterinary visit is recommended to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan for parasites or infection. Good luck.

Thanks for reaching out about M.S. First of all, check water quality for pH, ammonia, nitrites and nitrates, correct any problems. Poor water quality can lead to dermal changes/irritations that can results in tattered scales or fins, and other dermal lesions. If the lesions progress, a veterinary visit is needed to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan. Any of the over-the-counter medications to add to the water, rarely improve conditions but will more likely be a detriment to water conditions. Good luck.

Thanks for reaching out about your aquarium and including photos. Did you test your water quality prior to the water change? Continue to test for pH, ammonia, nitrites and nitrates. Pristine water quality is needed for health. Are any of the fish new, that could have introduced parasites? Itching/flashing can be due to water quality, external parasites, bacterial or viral infections and other causes. The white lesions on the photo could be fungal infections. A skin scrape and examination under the microscope (at a veterinarian's office) is needed for an attempt to determine a cause. Fungal infections are often secondary problems, so check water quality first. 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.

Thanks for reaching out about your fish and including photos. Water quality needs to be checked (pH, ammonia, nitrites and nitrates) and corrected. Often high protein lead to increased surface tension of the water and the bubbles accumulating. This can also damage the skin and fins. Good luck.

This presentation could be compatible with fin rot, which is a bacterial or fungal infection. It is unlikely that the primary cause is traumatic, unless Tank is itchy (that could be compatible with a bacterial infection anyway) and he is scratching himself constantly. The approach must be logic anyway starting from water quality check and treating with some antibiotics. Begin by submitting a water sample for quality testing. Most pet stores will do this for free or a nominal fee. If water quality is good and there are no major imbalances, water should be treated with antibiotics. 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.