What is this?

[dukie1346]

I pointed to the spot on it's mouth. I am not sure if it's clear enough, so I'll explain it. There seems to be some white on Fishy's lip. I don't know what it is.....What is it and should I be worried? Also, how can I hopefully cure it? Thanks- p.s. The image is a bit smudgy, that's just from me drawing on it.

[TianTian]

Could be an early sign of ich. It's a fish bacteria (I think).

If it IS ich: Warm up the water to about 80 degrees F and start him on some Betta cure products. I use Betta Revive; works slowly but does a good job in the long run.

[Chicklet]

It may also just be his nose, I have several that has a whitish tip nose.

Medicating is stressful to a fish, I would not jump into medicating needlessly, Watch it closely and see if it develops into something, More times then not I think you'll find it's nothing or will clear up with good tank maintenance that fits your tank size.

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Overly medicating in it's self can cause problems, Don't be so quick to put your fish thru the needless stress of medication.
Sometimes I have actually wondered if some people don't worry too much and jump to quick, thus causing a problem that may never have existed in the first place.

[dramaqueen]

Like 1077 says, the best medicine you can have is clean water.

[LaniBaby]

i believe ich is a parasite.

if you're worried that it is ich, using a bit of aquarisol would be a really mild way of treating it without stressing your fish. and if it's nothing, it's still a good preventive measure to use on weekly water changes and when adding new fish (if he doesnt' live alone). it's about $4, though i haven't found it at petsmart or petco, only non-chain stores and online. i add a drop to each gallon when i do my weekly water changes. it's also a good preventative for velvet, clamped fins, etc.

[dukie1346]

the white seems to be on the bottom lip, he is still eating normal, and swims when he sees me. Is it safe to keep my female in with him on the otherside of the tank?