My Betta (Siamese fighter) is very injured and I have no idea how?

Question

I got him 3 days ago, he lives in a 24 litre tank. I looked at him and thought he was dead, but then I saw his gills were moving, his fins are REALLY badly torn.
he is laying of the 'ground' not moving (except gills). The only objects in the tank are lived plants and a halved coconut which has no sharp edges. The filter couldn't have done it because its a sponge one. there are no other fish in the tank. He can swim, but not very well also his movements are very short and sharp. Mainly he just lies there not moving.
Is there anything I can do :'(

Maryann · Accepted Answer

You said you got him three days ago, he may be extremely stressed. When Bettas get really stressed they seem to kinda get dazed and out of sort. He may have been startled by something and got stuck in the plants, what kind do you have?

The only other thing I can think of is maybe he got stuck under the coconut? Then injured himself trying to get out.

Bettas tear their own fins if the current is to strong, but you have no current.

The best thing to do for an injured Betta is keep him very calm. You can do that by moving him to a quiet small room, or just covering his tank with a heave blanket. You may also want to add a little AQUARIUM salt. DO NOT USE TABLE SALT! The iodine in the salt WILL kill him. There isn't really anything else you can do to help.

Is he eating? or going up to breath?

Hope he gets better soon!!!

~Maryann

? · Answer

Hello :)

Keeping the water clean will help him recover.

Did you cycle the tank prior to getting him? If your answer is no check the link bellow and ask as many questions as you need to. 
http://bettasplendid.weebly.com/cycling-for-dummies.html

To know if your tank is cycled you must test your water.
API makes good testing kits for ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate: http://www.apifishcare.com/aquarium/water-testing/test-kits If you have .25ppm of more of ammonia or nitrite do a water change and your tank is not cycled.

I would recommend using Prime from Seachem as a water conditioner if your tank is not cycled: http://www.seachem.com/Products/product_pages/Prime.html

Do a 50% water change. See if that perks him up. If he is more active then your tank is not cycled and he obviously needs a cycled tank. If he has a physical injury clean water is your best bet so do your water changes.

Happy fish keeping!

Billy · Answer

well that sure seem like a very stressed fish.how's the temperature? have you cycled that tank? did you put put conditioner in it's water? betta's are suppose to be tough fishes but they do succumb to poor water quality. a clear looking tank doesn't right away mean it's free of toxins.

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My Betta (Siamese fighter) is very injured and I have no idea how?

3 Answers