Tumor or cyst, I'm afraid.... Nothing more you can do, just keep doing what you already do. Your boy can still live a normal Betta life. BettaloverSarah, I think, has a Betta with a tumor for over a year, if I remember correctly.... Btw, your boy's gorgeous. What's his name?

 

Thank you so much for the reply! His name is Pepper and he is a very good boy. He gets really excited when I go up to the tank and he is super energetic. He loves his food too! He is already about a year and a half and this has been growing for a three months with no behavioral changes. It hasn’t grown recently though. I just hope he’ll make it until two. Do you know how to prevent a tumor or cyst from growing in the first place?

 

I didn’t know bettas could live normal lives with the tumors. I don’t know much about what diseases are common for betta fish. I’ve had bettas in the past who have died inexplicably even though I took extra requirements to make sure their water was always clean. My previous bettas had smaller tanks, though. Some lived 2 years , one who was a beautiful maroon and white betta died just like that, don’t know what happened… I only had him for a few months. That happened several times and a couple of times I thought my cat was asleep to find out he was waiting for me to uncover and clean the bowl , then he got the fish 😞 after that I said no more cheaply made containers, and I’m going to do right by my bettas! So I got Jasper and also a 5 gallon tank with a secure lid. Later came the filter and the food changes and more of an understanding of water quality. Now I know what a joy they can be! I’ve also added a new tank mate- a golden mystery snail , and they are getting along just fine!!

 

We all started somewhere! Jasper is very lucky to have you. I’m sorry for the fish you lost, I wish they lived longer lives. 🥺

 

Pepper is a really fitting name for him. And nope, there is unfortunately nothing you can do to prevent a tumor, as far as I know.

 

Aw thank you! At least I know there is nothing I could have really done to prevent it.

 

I believe I'm experiencing the same thing! My betta looks exactly like yours. Same color. but for me his white little thing is under his face. I got so worried about him but now I know there is nothing I can do to prevent it.

 

Hey there! This looks like an Iridophoroma tumor. They are often not life threatening but will most likely to continue to grow. Just keep an eye on it and ensure it’s not effecting his quality of life.