Understanding Symptoms, Prevention, and Treatments for Betta Fish Velvet Disease

Betta fish velvet disease is actually one of the most common diseases in fish; not only exclusive to bettas. Known as Gold Dust disease, Rust disease, or Coral disease, this issue is caused by the tank’s small parasites. The organism would penetrate the slime coat (which functions as the protective layer) and then eat its cells. By the time the parasite gets into the slime coat, the bettas would be vulnerable. How to know their symptoms? How to treat them? Read on to find out.

The Real Deal with Velvet Disease

It would be impossible for the velvet disease to come from a virus or bacteria. The one responsible for the infestation is parasite. You need to understand that parasite and virus has different (cell) target and how they attack. Viruses need a host so they can reproduce, while parasites don’t. They are able to divide and replicate themselves outside the host. Moreover, viruses would target certain cells only, while parasite would attack a wider and broader cell types.

The symptoms would include color loss and yellow-ish (or even rust) film development. If you monitor your bettas closely, you should be able to tell the difference. Moreover, you should suspect the velvet disease when the symptoms in colors are accompanied by physical changes symptoms too:

• Labored breathing
• Clamped fins
• Peeling skin

If your bettas are already reaching the peeling skin stage, then they may be very sick. If you don’t treat them right away, they may die.

Prevention is the Best Option

The biggest issue with velvet disease is that it is contagious. Prevention would be the best key before the contamination takes place. You can:

• Quarantine new fish
• Perform water change regularly, even to the point of quite often
• Perform water testing
• Monitor proper feeding

You need to quarantine the new fish for at least 2 weeks before having them in the aquarium. If there is infected fish, it will show symptoms and you can prevent catastrophe from happening. Regular water change will make the environment clean, washing away the parasites.

Treating the Bettas

You can try these methods below, but it is advisable that you also talk to the vet to find the best methods:

• Perform regular water change. Again, you want to keep the environment clean
• Decrease the light. Parasites need light to survive. If you remove the light, they may be able to hold on longer.
• Increase the water temperature. Parasites don’t like living in warm or hot area. Their lifespan would be shortened with the increased temperature.

If you are still clueless, consult the vet. The expert should be able to help (and guide) you with the Betta fish velvet disease treatment and care.

Upscale Betta is a betta fish breeder and seller in Indonesia. Don’t forget to follow our social network such as Instagram, Facebook and Youtube Channel.