I didn't bring this up at the time, but after my first beta fish, Spectre, died, we almost lost his replacement, too. My new fish, Phoenix, was doing well for about a week but then began exhibiting "sick fish" behaviors: specifically, burrowing into the rocks at the bottom of the tank and swimming up into the filter. A close look revealed distressing news: a fungal infection and the dreaded ick (the best-named disease ever!).
By this time, my husband had fought the good fight over my previous fish and he wasn't about to let another one die. As is his wont, he went on a quest to compile the bulk of mankind's knowledge about Betta splendens. He talked to the owners of the little local pet shop, went online, and talked to the fish people at the big chain pet shop. He took Phoenix to the pet shop in a Mason jar and put him in some different water. He bought a new tank. He treated him with sea salt and medicines and healthy bacteria. He started calling the betas by their correct name, "bettas," even though it bugs me and makes me think of those awful commercials for Better Blocks, which I thought were called "Betta Blocks" because of the spokeswoman's accent.
The best treatment seemed to be some blue, Alka-Seltzer-like tablets. The fish was his old self again after just one treatment (although it did stain the jaguar skull decoration in the tank - a small price to pay).
My husband's ultimate research source for all things beta? BettaTalk.com. He now thinks the BettaTalk gal, Faith, is the supreme beta expert on earth. I'm sure the fact that she's a hot, blonde rock 'n roll chick is merely a bonus.
My fish is fully recovered now and spends all of his copious free time making a huge, slimy nest of bubbles on top of the tank, in anticipation of a mate who will never arrive. Both of our betas will come up to the side of the tank when someone approaches and do a little excited shimmy. My husband thinks they like us. I think they're big pigs who want to be fed more often than they should be. Still, it's fun to see them wriggle around joyfully when you talk to them, no matter why they're doing it.
We've discovered that having the fish tanks on top of the TV causes us to watch the fish instead of the television on many occasions. That's yet another reason that it's probably just as well that I didn't bring a beta into the office. I'm distractible enough as it is!
You and your bloody beta fish... I kept fish when I was a teenager and on reading your misfotunes couldn't think what you were on about. It's a Siamese fighting fish no ?
Rather like Monty Python's Norwegian Blue (which was a parrot), beautiful plumage.
Keith
Posted by: Keith Povall | July 13, 2004 at 08:36 AM
Yes, they used to be called Siamese Fighting Fish, which is really a much better name than "beta," but perhaps a little too vicious-sounding for effective marketing purposes. They are notable for their lovely plumage...
Posted by: Jane | July 13, 2004 at 09:58 AM
Hmm, I wonder if the fish would feel like they had more company and be yet happier if you put them at a level that the cats could look in on them. And, I wonder if the cats would really eat them, as they are wont to do in the cartoons. A puzzlement . . .
Posted by: mojokittycat | July 13, 2004 at 01:20 PM
Maybe you're really more of a "cat person." :)
Posted by: Sarah | July 14, 2004 at 07:17 AM
I purchased my first Betta on August 21, and this morning when I woke up, he had died and was sucked into the filter.:( I gave Hyrum (I already named him and was really attached) a buriel at sea and promptly called the Pet Store where I had purchased him for advice. The Pet Club representative was very courteous and told me to bring in a sample of the water and they would give me a replacement fish. Today I went and got another Betta. The water tested find, however he did give me some advice on the tank and filter that I purchased and he told me to turn the suction way down, so the fish would not have to fight the current. I brought my new fish home, fed him and told my husband that he could name him this time. :) Wish us luck!
Posted by: Linda Graham | August 22, 2004 at 03:45 PM
At the moment I have 4 beta's. I have 2 males and 2 females. Other websites, and pet stores told me that it is alright to put 2 females together. However, the morning after I got them, I caught them fighting. I poked them with a net, but they wouldn't stop. So I had to go buy another tank. Now one of the females has a fungal infection. It has the white cotton-like fluff all over it, and is a bit discoloured. I figure that since I have 4 already, it's not worth spending more money trying to save her. I'm not sure what to do with it though, so at the moment, I have her in it's regular tank. I'm not sure if I should just flush her. She's already starting to wear off, and I feel bad. But i don't know what to do. If you have any suggestions, please post them. Thank you!
Posted by: Jenny | October 05, 2004 at 01:12 PM
I have a question for Beta fish owners. We did not know much about Beta fish and yesterday put a new male in with our female. At first he appeared agressive, now they seem to be doing some sort of love dance. They are not agressive towards each other. Looking for some info on breeding habits of Betas. Thanks, Lisa
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Posted by: Lisa | October 10, 2004 at 02:30 PM
Hi, I have two male bettas (seperate bowls) Olaf and Sven, and Olaf has developed one large whitish spot on his back. Ive been treating for ick (two weeks), but it hasnt gone away, could this be the "cottony" fungal infection you speak of? its not really raised or anything, just discolored- and he isnt acting sick. What should my next move be? I dont want to lose the little guy!
Posted by: Evie | January 26, 2005 at 06:54 PM
I know how you feel!!!! One of my beta fish died and it was WHITE!!!! My mom had said, "I have never in my life seen a white beta fish!"
~Sara Wilson
Posted by: Sara Wilson | February 15, 2005 at 11:38 PM
Im so worried!!! Yesterday I noticed that my fishy Momo has this weird white stuff on his body and fins! If I wanted to I could probably whipe it off. There are no soars or anything but Im so scared for him! :(
What can I do I dont have the money to take him to a vet or anything like that. I was thinking that I could just change his water and he might get over it, but that idea is a little far fetched. I need advice badly PLEASE HELP!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Amanda | February 29, 2008 at 11:14 PM