Growth behind gill

[GVeers]

Housing
10 gallon
Gravel bottom, live plants and ornaments.
Heated, 80 degrees
Filtered
No aeration
No tankmates

Food
Rotation of Bio-Gold pellets, some generic betta pellets, freeze-dried bloodworms, freeze-dried shrimp, and frozen peas
Once a day, 3-4 pellets

Maintenance
Bi-weekly water change of around 50%.
Only additive is water conditioner.

Water Parameters
Tested several months ago
Ammonia: 0
Nitrites: 0
Nitrate: 0
pH: 7.6
Hardness: unknown
Alkalinity: unknown

Symptoms and Treatment
It was tough to get a good picture, but our Betta has a greyish growth behind his left gill. He's no longer using that pectoral fin as a result. Aside from that, and some fins that are more shredded than usual (see picture 3), he seems normal and healthy.

Based on the posts I've seen, it seems like it could be a zit or a tumor. Tonight I am going to do an immediate 50% water change and add some stress coat...is there anything else I can do except keep an eye on it? Thanks so much.

[kyasarin5]

How long have you had him? Do you know his age? I don't know much about growths and tumors on betta fish. Still kinda new betta keeper. I have only had my betta for about a year.

[GVeers]

Originally Posted by kyasarin5

How long have you had him? Do you know his age? I don't know much about growths and tumors on betta fish. Still kinda new betta keeper. I have only had my betta for about a year.

We've had him for over a year, so he is "Old Man Betta" at our house. As it happens the growth appeared to subside overnight and he's using the pectoral fin again, so it's a matter of focusing on the torn fins now. Hopefully some more regular water changes and a bit of Melafix will help with that. Thanks though!

[Maura]

Steer clear of Melafix (or anything ending in -fix for that matter). It contains tea tree oil, which causes damage to the labyrinth organ, which in turn kills the fish.