Pictures Betta fin damaged in a matter of hours

[K&W]

My betta fin looked fine just hours ago I came back and noticed that his tail is very frayed. Does anyone know what may have caused this?

 

[Hermesbird]

Sorry I do not know if I can help, Maybe the betta got caught on something in the tank? ** I checked the picture again and it could possibly gotten caught on the plastic plant maybe to sharp, I use real plants in my bettas tank.

(bumping) - for more visibility visability

 

[Gigibirds]

Hmm...yeah @Hermesbird was probably right and I would guess that it was the plant.....I once had a betta fish though, and he got half sucked up by the filter while I was at school, and so his left side was in the air all day! (yes, he did die ) So if you have a filter, it's possible that that could have damaged it, too!

 

[Hermesbird]

That’s so sad, I don’t use air filter in my beta tank. Just oxygen tube and live plants with regular cleaning (well my fiancé’s cleans the fish tanks) I bath the dogs and the bird lol

 

[ChirpysMom]

My betta fin looked fine just hours ago I came back and noticed that his tail is very frayed. Does anyone know what may have caused this?
View attachment 379406

He could have gotten snagged on any sharp decor items or he could have done it himself. Male bettas can also self mutilate if they are unhappy. Does he have a heater?
I breed wild bettas and have seen this in domestic betta splendens. I would compare it to feather plucking.

 

[Hermesbird]

Male bettas can also self mutilate if they are unhappy.

Sorry to derail if I do, I find this interesting I’ve had bettas almost my whole life and never seen them self mutilate.

 

[Sparkles99]

Can you post a picture of the whole tank? It would help.

What are your water parameters? How long has the tank been set up? Any other creatures in tank?

Highly doubt it's that pineapple ornament people are zeroing in on. I've got the same one in one of my unexpected rescue betta tanks. He's fine.

 

[Hermesbird]

pineapple ornament people are zeroing in on

More so the plastic green plant on the side. Some aren’t cut great and can have sharp edges. My bettas love to lay on leaves so it’s possible this could of happened and gotten caught on it. Just my thought thou

 

[ChirpysMom]

Yes, I haven’t had it happen with any of my fish but I follow many bettas on Instagram and have seen it in others’ fish. Betta Tail Biting
It’s a stress response to unsuitable aquarium parameters.

Sorry to derail if I do, I find this interesting I’ve had bettas almost my whole life and never seen them self mutilate.

 

[K&W]

Thanks everyone, I really appreciate the insights. I have removed all ornaments from the tank and changed the water. I added aquarium salt and other fish safe medication. He is eating like normal and seems well.

 

[Sparkles99]

Yes, I see what you mean, Hermesbird. Sounds like it's in hand.

 

[MC_Hahn's]

My sister's fish once had fin rot. Very similar symptoms... Perhaps look into that?

 

[Hermesbird]

My sister's fish once had fin rot. Very similar symptoms... Perhaps look into that?

This is also a possibility, I had a king bettas who developed an illness in the last 3 months we’ve had him (over 1 yr). And he got pumps on his face. I forgot what my fiancé said they were but it was so sad to see.

 

[Hermesbird]

Thanks everyone, I really appreciate the insights. I have removed all ornaments from the tank and changed the water. I added aquarium salt and other fish safe medication. He is eating like normal and seems well.

See if you can get real plants. And I’ve found they like the leaf suction at the top of the tank to lay on lol

 

[Sparkles99]

'Silk' plants are great too!

 

[DesertBird]

Please don't remove everything from his tank. He'll get stressed if he doesn't have anything to hide in. Just take out the plastic plants.
How big is his tank? Do you have a heater? I know you said you don't use a filter, but you should really get one as they are important for the health of your tank. Sponge filters won't hurt your betta. Also, is the tank cycled?