Is something wrong with my betta?

[cheyenne52883]

My betta has had these pink/red markings on his head ever since I purchased him. At the time I thought it was just minor damage from transport, but several weeks later and there is no improvement or worsening of the spots.

He is active, fins are starting to grow back and he is actively blowing bubble nests so I think he is healthy but the spots concern me....

[Rockandrollgirl09]

It appears to me that it could possibly be some sort of fungus or red sore growing on him. I would definately try giving him some treatments and go from there. Even though he is active right now it may be that it hasnt really started taking effect yet. It would be best to catch it now so I would start treatment as soon as possible.

[cheyenne52883]

Any idea what it may be or what I should treat him with?

[Rockandrollgirl09]

It could be a skin infection. I would suggest trying some sort of bettafix or anything of that nature along with aquarium salt. Make sure that you follow the diretions carefully and do frequent water changes. And see if that improves anything.

[Rockandrollgirl09]

Also if he happens to be with any other fish I would Isolate him when you are trying to treat him.

[cheyenne52883]

It is a 4.5 gallon bowl with java fern and 1 african dwarf frog. I have been doing 50% water changes twice a week.

[Luimeril]

:I bettafix is not really... suggested too often. more often than not, it causes more harm than good. some have had success, some haven't. i'd honestly rather not risk it.

i'm not medication-savvy, other than that, so i can't suggest a medication to use. have you tried an Aquarium Salt treatment?

[cheyenne52883]

I have not tried anything other than consistent water changes... I wasn't sure it was anything other than some damage from shipping and crappy conditions at PetSmart.

[Luimeril]

you could always shoot a PM to OldFishLady, see what she has to say. i say, if it hasn't grown any, and he's doing fine, just keep up the water changes. it looks odd, but it *could* just be coloration. x:

[cheyenne52883]

I thought it might be coloration too but when I look REALLY close, it looks like there may be scales rubbed off. Also, about 3-5 days after I got him, red started appearing in his fins. Not sure what is going on...

I am going to try a mild salt bath and keep up with the water changes and see if it makes a difference.