I have been a Betta owner and breeder for more than two decades, but it’s important to acknowledge that I do not have any veterinary training.  While I’ve had success with these treatments on my own Betta fish for the last two decades, this information does not take the place of a licensed veterinarian.

If you are not careful, your Betta can be exposed to a large variety of sicknesses.  As soon as you discover that your Betta is ill, it is vital to separate the unhealthy Betta so it doesn’t get your other fish sick in your tank.  Make sure to use most of the water in his own tank and let any new water get acclimated for at least 6 hours to prevent an abrupt change in temperature which may result in a shock to his system.

Make sure not to spread any germs by cleaning your hands with an antibiotic soap after touching a sick fish.

It’s critical to figure out the signs of illness, then cure the diseased fish.

Typically, an unhealthy Betta fish will hang out at the bottom of the tank, only rising for air, while a Betta in good health will actively swim around the tank.

Symptom: Clamped Fins
Make sure to check his fins.  If they are close to the Betta’s body, then they may have clamped fins, which is a sign of poor water quality.  Start replacing 50% of the water each day til water quality is better and his fins are back to normal.

Betta Fish Symptom – Ich
If you notice tiny white spots on your Betta’s body and fins then it may have a very serious parasite called ich.  This needs to be medicated immediately.  A sure sign of Ich is if you notice your Betta rubbing his body against items in the tank in order to wipe off the parasites.

Ich can be caused by fluctuating water conditions or other stressful scenarios for your Betta.  Unhappy Betta fish are much more prone to parasites and other diseases.

Illness: Fungus Contamination
Gray or White spots that is bigger than smaller spots means there is a fungus contamination.  It may soon become a cotton appearance.

Betta Disease – Tail or Fin Rot
If your Betta’s fin or tail appear to be rotting away, shredded at the ends, or have holes in them, then he most likely has Fin-rot.  This is not an uncommon sickness a lot of Betta’s get and must be treated immediately.  It is a bacterial infection that can easily pass onto the remainder of the body.  In severe cases you may see bleeding or red fins.

Disease: Constipation
Your Betta can become constipated if his diet is not altered regularly (Betta’s are best on a variety of food – see Providing Food for Betta Fish for more detailed instruction).  If your Betta has the usual amount of daily swimming, but has a swollen stomach, he is most likely constipated.

Betta Illnesses – Velvet
Velvet can be seen by the gold and yellow powdery dust that will appear on his scales.  It could be tough to notice, so if you are not certain, flash a flashlight on his scales to see.

Betta Illnesses – Dropsy
If your Betta fish has raised scales and a large belly, he may have contracted Dropsy.  The scales will appear to look like a wide open pine cone if watching it from above the tank.

Disease: Popeye
If you notice your Betta’s eye popping out, if it is foggy or has a bubble enclosing it, then he has gotten Popeye.  It is simple to see and very easy to treat.

Betta Fish Sickness – Tuburculoses
If you believe your Betta has Tuberculoses, make sure to wear sanitary gloves prior to submerging your hand in the water.  Tuberculoses can actually be passed to a human, so be certain you have no open cuts or wounds prior to submerging your arm.  If you do get it, you’ll end up with a skin infection and should immediately go to the doctor to get it cured.

If you notice swelling or protruding scales, weight loss, skin defects and/or discoloration, scales falling off, no appetite, slow and tired swimming and clamped fins then he may have contracted Tuberculosis.

For additional info about Betta Fish, make sure to check out the posts, take a look at this list of the Best Betta Care Guides.  My favorite is the Betta Lovers Guide – it’s the best guide and covers absolutely everything you’ll need to know to keep your Betta happy.