My new betta's tail is fraying. What causes it and how can I treat it?

As long as you maintain pristine water quality via filtration and regular partial water changes, he should heal up. Use only conditioned water that is temperature matched to prevent stress or shock. Bettas do best between 78 F and 80 F. Consider a product, such as Stress Coat, to promote healing. https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/api-stress-coat-aquarium-water-conditioner

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.

This could be either a bacterial infection, such as Columnaris, or a fungal infection, such as Saprolegnia. It is difficult to say without an exam or image. Either can be treated with medications found in the aquarium section of the local Petco. Look for an antifungal or antibiotic. You may even find a combination product. Follow label directions carefully and remove the carbon filter insert during treatment. Maintain pristine water quality via filtration and regular partial water changes. If an antifungal does not work, try an antibiotic or vice versa. Keep water temp between 78 F and 80 F.

Recheck water chemistry to confirm 0 ppm ammonia and nitrites with nitrates at 20 ppm or less. A pH of 7 is fine and they can adjust to more acidic water as long as the change is gradual. Temperature should range between 78 F and 80 F. Plain aquarium salt (NOT table salt or epsom salt) can be used as a general tonic to reduce stress, improve gill function, treat minor infection and aid in recovery. Dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt per gallon of water in a cup or two of tank water and gently pour it into the tank. Perform partial water changes every couple of days to maintain water quality. Treat only the volume of water being replaced. Treat with aquarium salt for no more than 14 days then reassess the condition. An antibiotic, such as kanamycin or erythromycin, can be found in the aquarium section of the local Petco if the salt treatment doesn't help. Follow label directions carefully and remove the carbon filter insert during treatment if indicated.

Keep her in the hospital tank until she heals. maintain adequate water quality and temperature via frequent water changes, filtration and the use of a small, submersible heater. 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 of salt per gallon of water. Treat for 10-14 days then reassess fin condition.

It may be easier (and more economical) to use a one or two gallon vessel to use as a "hospital tank". Use the water from the main tank initially and change the water in the smaller tank every couple days. For the small amount of water, you can use a water conditioner such as Prime (by SeaChem). Find it in your local Petco. A bit of StressCoat will also aid in recovery. Maintain pristine water quality and proper temp (78F to 80F) to aid in healing. Make sure he continues to eat normally as well.

Thanks for reaching out about Gummy. Not sure of biting the tail is normal, especially if chewing to the point of removing part of the tail. Itching or irritation are most likely. Test and correct water quality including pH, ammonia, nitrite and nitrates. These can be dermal irritants. Bacterial or parasitic concerns, spinal problems (scoliosis due to vitamin C deficiency) are also common and a veterinary visit would be needed to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan. Good luck.