Beta-fish shedding's?

Question

My boyfriend and I got a Beta fish about two weeks ago, and every so often she rubs herself against the gravel in her bowl and she sheds.

When she sheds it looks like a snake's skin.

Is that normal?

If it is not, what can I do to make her better?

Thank you.

Answer 1

She may have Velvet. A fish disease that is parasitic. If a fish is scratching along rocks or decorations this is a sure sign of sickness. Everything from Ick to Ammonia Poisoning.

Other signs are clamped fins if your Betta is a girl her fins would be short if it is a boy they would be long and flowing. If the fins are clamped together this is a sign of many types of illnesses such as velvet and other parasites.

If your Betta has Velvet you can only see it by shining a flashlight at it, you will see a fine dust of gold or rust on the scales.

You can buy medication for around $5.00 to treat for Velvet this would be an external parasite medication.

Also if you add aquarium salt to your water at 1/2 teaspoon per a gallon of water, you can keep these parasites away.

It is also imperative to maintain good water conditions. To keep your water parameters where they should be do water changes as need for you aquarium size, twice a week for anything under 5 gallons and once a week for a 5-10 gallon.

If you are using a smaller bowl I suggest getting at the very least a one gallon and doing 50% water changes every other day (or 3 times a week) and make sure it is kept in a warm room (not with an air conditioner). This is because a Betta requires warm temperatures of 74-84 degrees to maintain health and longevity.

Last comment do not use Melafix as a treatment for you Betta! Melafix cannot be used with fish with a labyrinth such as Bettas and Gouramis as it damages the labyrinth and the fish eventually suffocates and dies.

Good Luck!