Tropical Fish Forum

Tropical Fish Keeping Help and Advice => Fish Health => Topic started by: Ally2 on December 11, 2016, 09:09:49 PM

Title: Moonbeams fins have split!
Post by: Ally2 on December 11, 2016, 09:09:49 PM
Hi
Me again
Just looked at moonbeam and his fins have split ! Why has this happened ?
Ally
Title: Re splitting fins
Post by: Ally2 on December 11, 2016, 09:12:01 PM
Just going to try to post before picture of him .
Title: Re: Re splitting fins
Post by: MarquisMirage on December 11, 2016, 10:02:59 PM
He looks happy and healthy.  Maybe he caught his fin?  If he's anything like my betta he's probably swimming in every gap he can.  Keep an eye on it to see if it develops a bacterial infection that needs attention but otherwise it'll just heal naturally. 

My betta is called Darkness and is named by my daughter.  On the way to the LFS my wife and I were singing Simon and Garfunkels Sound of Silence.  My daughter heard 'Hello darkness my old friend..' and there you go.
Title: Re: Moonbeams fins have split!
Post by: Littlefish on December 11, 2016, 10:03:17 PM
Is Moonbeam ok in himself? Is he eating properly and behaving normally?


Title: Re: Re splitting fins
Post by: Ally2 on December 11, 2016, 10:32:02 PM
Oh. Love that story about his name !
 
Title: Re: Moonbeams fins have split!
Post by: Ally2 on December 11, 2016, 10:36:13 PM
Yes little fish , he had a 50 percent wats change Saturday , as a bit stressed as I took a while about cleaning everything with a toothbrush , but he stayed in the tank while I did it . Turned his light off for a while , and he was fine . Spent all day rebuilding his bubble nest . He's eating and active as normal . I'm not sure if he did it yesterday and I just st didn't notice. He has a new almond leave in so that might help .
Title: Re: Moonbeams fins have split!
Post by: Littlefish on December 12, 2016, 07:43:41 AM
He is looking pretty good in the picture.
Hopefully someone will be able to offer some advice.
I have a plakat betta, so I don't have any experience with the long fins found on the fancy bettas.
Title: Re: Moonbeams fins have split!
Post by: Sue on December 12, 2016, 08:58:46 AM
***I have merged the two topics about Moonbeam's split tail which is why the thread reads a bit oddly.***



Long tailed bettas do have problems with splitting tails and fins. If the split is straight edged and goes straight inwards from the edge of the fin towards the body it is physical damage rather than infection.
Bettas' fins are delicate and can tear on sharp corners. This is why the 'tights test' was developed. Run an old pair of tights over any decor and if they snag it can tear bettas' fins. And why silk plants are recommended over plastic - plastic plants have sharp edges to the leaves and often tiny bits sticking out from the leaves and stems.
Bettas can also blow their fins, though this usually presents as holes rather than splits. It is caused by flaring too much, and the main cause is the owner leaving a mirror by the tank for too long. A betta will flare at his refection, and it is considered good exercise by some to show him a mirror for a few minutes every day. Some owners overdo it.


Whatever the cause, tears will heal quite quickly. It is important to keep the tank, and water, clean as tears can become infected if the tank is neglected. And the decor should be investigated for sharp edges. These can usually be removed with sandpaper.
Title: Re: Moonbeams fins have split!
Post by: Ally2 on December 12, 2016, 12:59:46 PM
Bettas are such a complicated fish ! I had sanded down the wood which did have some very sharp edges . He is getting a bit more flary , even towards my pink nail varnish ! I don't use the mirror on a regular basis as I'm not a huge believer . However he does flare if I have the I phone or I pad in my hand and will notice it immediately and get stroppy ! So taking photos is difficult . I'm doing twice weekly water changes so his water is super clean . Let's hope it heals up and doesn't get infected . His fins are very long and heavy and I'm not surprised there hasn't been an issue before .
Ally