Hi! I've just gotten my Betta to flare, and i notices that his top fin is split in one section, near the back
Here's a pic:



I'm not sure if this isa bad sign or not - maybe someone out there could give me a hand in identifying the problem? I'd like to start treatent ASAP if neccesary.

Thank you!
Dana

Is that what you are talking about? Thats normal.

The ruffly stuff at the top of his fin could be fin rot. I would treat him for it. You can use Maracyn for fin rot.

Here is a picu of what finrot looks like.

What Sushi pointed out in her drawing is completely natural if that is what you are concerned about. Can you get a better photo of the ends of the top dorsal fin? That "ruffliness" can be a sign of fin rot, but a lot of bettas (especially petstore quality) are born with slight ruffles on the edges.

Yeah, I think we need a close up picture of the fin to say for sure. It doesn't look too bad though. In the meantime, make sure his environmental conditions are stable to reduce any stress and promote healing - keep his water quality really good and check his tank temperature doesn't flutuate too much. Otherwise, Charlie Parker looks to be in quite good form from that picture

Thanks so much guys! Yes, the split where sushi indicated is what i was concerned about. The ruffliness has been there since i got him, the pet store said it was normal for bettas, so i wasn't worried. Here's a better pic, of that area for your expert opinion:

Dorsal fin:



Tailfin



I think he looks ok - nothing like the pic that Mr B helpfully suppllied - but i'm hoping you'll agree with me. I want to have salt in with him on a regular basis (2 teaspoons for the 5 gallon tank?) as recommended on a betta site that i really like. Maybe this will be enough to keep him safe.

Thanks again for all your help!

Dana.

Hi Dana, it doesn't look like full on finrot to me, not a big problem anyway - just a few splits and some normal ruffleness and curling at the end - normal in some store bettas. Personally, I think if you maintain excellent water quality it should be fine. Just monitor it closely for any further deterioration and then act quickly if it does get worse.

Most Bettas do fine with low level salting, a few don't. So if you decide to use salt for the first time with him be cautious and be prepared to dilute back down if he doesn't tolerate it. I know some people advocate using salt all the time with Bettas but if you maintain good water quality he probably can do without it - but it is personal choice. It can be a useful treatment for early finrot and signs of stress. 2 teaspoons per 5 gallons is less than half a teaspoon per gallon so that's less than 0.05% which is what I would recommend as starting with for a betta anyway so it probably won't hurt. It may help to reduce stress and promote healing. Good luck with him, Charlie parker is a lovely Betta!

BTW Sushi posted the helpful picture - it is a very good example of finrot though

It doesn't look like fin rot. I think your fish is ok.

I think your fish looks o.k. to me as well .

Thanks everyone!

I really apprecialte the help Sushi, Mr Bublebee, and Betta queen. I lost a fish to finrot once, so i'm a little paranoid now! And also thanks for all the compliments on Charlie Parker. I think he's beautiful too! I'm sure i'll be back for more advice in the future. I'm very glad that you al are so willing and able to help!

Dana.

Your Betta is very pretty Dana,and reminds me of one of my very first boys.
Sometimes their tails get a look like that from being in those darn cups with no room.Other times tails can get split and such just by having plants and ornaments in the tank that they're catching it on.Pristene water is usally enough to do them right again though.
Good luck with your boy and keep us posted.