[mermaidsierra02]

I need help identifying a large bump on the side of my female betta fish, behind her gills. I thought hopefully it might be bloating and fasted her for a few days but it is still there unchanged. It has grown bigger over time.

What does anyone think this could be? Also, is there anything I should do to help?

Btw: she is behaving normally and still very active, there doesn't seem to be any change except the bump appearing and growing.

Help Form:
Housing:
How many gallons is your tank?
- 3 gals
Does it have a filter?
- Yes
Does it have a heater?
- Yes
What temperature is your tank?
- 78F
Does your tank have an air stone or other type of aeration?
- No, just filter
Does your Betta have tank mates? What kind?
- No tank mates

Food:
What food brand do you use?
- Omega one betta buffet pellets
Do you feed flakes or pellets?
- Pellets
Freeze-dried?
- Used to feed freeze-dried brine shrimp, but stopped once bump appeared
How often do you feed your Betta? How much?
- Once per day, 3 pellets

Maintenance:
Before your Betta became ill how often did you perform a water change?
- Once per week
What percentage of water did you change?
- Small tank so about 80%
What is the source of your water?
- Tap
Do you vacuum the substrate or just dip out water?
- Vacuum substrate
What additives do you use other than conditioner? What brand of conditioner?
- Just Seachem Prime conditioner

Water Parameters:
What are your water parameters? Please give exact numbers. If tested by pet store please get exact numbers. "Fine" or "Safe" won't help us help you. Important: Test your water before the regular water change; not after one.
- I don't have access right now to a test kit, I could buy one if anyone thinks this would help diagnose


Symptoms and Treatment:
When did you first notice the symptoms?
- About 2 weeks ago
How has your Betta’s appearance changed?
- Large bump has appeared on her right side, there is now a corresponding small bump on the other (left) side
How has your Betta’s behavior changed?
- Behavior is the same, still active as always
Is your Betta still eating?
- Yes
Have you started treating your Betta? If so, how?
- I tried fasting for 3 days but it was unchanged. Today I fed her a small amount of a cooked pea in hopes it might still be bloating.
Does your Betta have any history of being ill?
- No
How long have you owned your Betta?
- About 1 year
Was he or she ill or suffering some sort of damage when purchased?
- Nope

 

[Feanor]

As she doesn‘t show any buoyancy issues, her swim bladder should be fine.

I can‘t say if this is a tumor or a cyst or anything else.

I would give Epsom Salt baths a try and see if any of the swelling (if it is swelling from fluids) recedes.

Put her in a container with clean, temp matched or tank water. 1 tablespoon of Epsom salt per gallon for no more than 15 minutes. If she shows signs of stress take her out. Make sure you dissolve the salt before letting your girl in.