My betta has a white spot on his back. Is it ich or something else?

Thanks for reaching out about Milo and including photos. Ich does not occur spontaneously, so if no new additions of live fish, plants or snails, then it is unlikely to be this parasite. Do you test water quality of pH, ammonia, nitrites and nitrates? Review diet as many of the nutrients in fish foods degrade in months, so fresh food ins required every 2-3 months. A veterinary visit is recommended to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan. 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 Dart and including photos. The lesions are not clearly visible in the pictures but by the description, could be parasitic as in salt water ich (cryptocaryon). A veterinary visit could provide diagnostic services, as a skin scrape and recommend a treatment plan. Other fish will be affected so treatment should include the entire aquarium. Good luck.

It doesn't have the appearance of ich. He would have white spots, like grains of salt all over him. I don't see fungal growth either in the images. He does have some fin rot though. Check the water chemistry. 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. Confirm an absence (0 ppm) of ammonia and nitrites with nitrates at 40 ppm or less. maintain temp between 78 F and 80 F. This is the optimal range for a Betta. Maintain pristine water quality as well as temperature. Continue with the ParaGuard since it is appropriate for fin rot. Follow label directions. You can also add in a bit of plain aquarium salt (NOT table or Epsom salt) as a general tonic to decrease stress, improve gill function, treat minor infection and aid in recovery. Dissolve no more than 1 teaspoon of salt per gallon of water in a cup of tank water and gently pour it into the tan. Treat with salt for 10-14 days then reassess his condition. Partial water changes can be done to reduce salinity. Use only aged or conditioned water that is temperature matched to prevent stress or shock. You may need to treat the fin rot for longer but don't use salt for more than 2 weeks in a row without a break. Also, if possible, decrease filter flow to reduce the current. Bettas prefer slow moving water. To provide an immune system boost, you can soak pellets in some garlic juice .

Thanks for reaching out about Kai and including photos. It is difficult to determine is this is a full-thickness hole by the pictures. Tails tend to regenerate so monitor to make sure it doesn't get worse. Test and correct any water quality concerns. If other spots occur, testing for parasites by a veterinarian is recommended. Good luck.

White formations on Bettas and other fish are typically an indicator of the condition Ich. You should be able to purchase medication that is placed within the water that may help with this condition. Here is a link to a page all about the condition and how best to manage the situation. https://pethelpful.com/fish-aquariums/how-to-cure-betta-fish-ich Hope this helps!

It's possible Bartholomew has a skin or fungal infection that is affecting him. Testing your water may help if there is an environmental cause, as well as treating for fungal infections. Most pet stores will carry water treatments for the most common causes of fungal growths on fish.