Bloody Fins?!

[BettaFishLuver]

I've been asking a lot of qestions lately but my plakat that I got a couple weeks ago is starting to get red streaks on his fins! They are not dark red but if you look they are red.. Is he just changing color? Or is this serious?! I have everything to treat it because I keep medications on hand for situations like this but I don't want to treat and stress him for no reason! I did a small water change. Is this red streaks? Should I go straight and treat him? He still wants to eat like a pig and is swimming normal, even built a bubble nest yesterday, but I just noticed the streaks today!

[BettaFishLuver]

I think he has a few red spots on his head but I'm not sure if I'm just being dramatic lol

[Pataflafla]

Could you give us some information about his home?

Tank size, temperature, water change schedule?

He's developing actual streaks of red in his fins? Not just tinges of it?

[BettaFishLuver]

He is in a 2 gallon filtered and heated tank. He has one live plant with him (anacharis) along with other decorations.. Every other day I do a small about 20% water change. The temperature is 77-79 degrees. What do you mean by "tinged?"

[BettaFishLuver]

His fins look like the have a faded red on them if that is what you mean by tinged? The red is not on the edges but up and down the fins.

[BettaFishLuver]

Ok, I feel like I am talking to myself.. I really need answers any kind of advise is highly appreciated!

[Pataflafla]

Are the streaks clearly defined?

I know bettas tend to change color once they are in good conditions.

If it is septicemia, start out with clean water, so keep up what you're doing.

If the streaking becomes more defined, then treat for septicemia.

[BettaFishLuver]

I really hope he is just changing color, I will see how he is tomorrow! Thanks!

[BettaFishLuver]

So I checked today and there is film like stuff on the surface, kinda looks like oil! Is it just from the slime coat protection? Or is it from my heater? I don't know but could this be causing him to get these streaks?

[earthworm88]

The oily film you see could be protein build up due to waste, food or plants. It is generally not harmful to your fish. It may be best for us to determine the red streaks you are talking about by posting some photos of this problem in question. As Pataflafla mentioned, it could be a natural change in color. If your betta is of blue or dark color, when they get stressed, the anal fin (section closer to body) can pale and the reddish hue become more pronounced. If your betta is transparent or light in color, the veins can be a bit more visible as well or the blood can be easily seen if they injure themselves. So not knowing exactly what you mean, photos will be very helpful in determining the problem.

Cheers!