[Kiku]

A few weeks ago I saw something on my fishy's side that looked like a few scales were raised...I didn't know what to do so I just kind of left it because he was swimming around just fine and eating happily. The area now looks something akin to a medium-sized tumor on his side...it's like a big white clump. He's still eating fine, swimming fine, no signs of lethargy or sickness at all.

Housing
What size is your tank? 2.5 gallon
What temperature is your tank? 75 degrees
Does your tank have a filter? No.
Does your tank have an air stone or other type of aeration? No.
Is your tank heated? Yes.
What tank mates does your betta fish live with? None.

Food
What type of food do you feed your betta fish? Freeze dried bloodworms and tetrafin flakes
How often do you feed your betta fish? Once a day
Maintenance
How often do you perform a water change? Once a week
What percentage of the water do you change when you perform a water change? All of it.
What type of additives do you add to the water when you perform a water change? Water conditioner


Symptoms and Treatment
How has your betta fish's appearance changed? See above =I
How has your betta fish's behavior changed? He hasn't really shown any signs of illness at all
When did you start noticing the symptoms? About four weeks ago, I think
Have you started treating your fish? If so, how? Nothing! I'm not sure what's going on with him
Does your fish have any history of being ill? Not at all =)
How old is your fish (approximately)? About a year and a half

Anyone else have/had this problem?

 

[frazier71]

Post a picture.

 

[Kiku]

 

[Kiku]

 

[lilyth88]

That could possibly be one. I don't know for sure.

 

[frazier71]

He just looks a little bloated Fast him for a day or two

 

[frazier71]

If fasting doesn't help try a cooked mashed pea remove skin see if he will eat pieces of inside. Do this once and fast him a day or two after that. If that doesn't work try Epsom salt bath (no scent no color salt ) premix 1 tsp per gallon in a jug and let him sit for a little while in it. If he is constipated it will help hiom relax.

 

[fleetfish]

Yes, it looks like he's got some kind of tumour. To keep his strength up, you may want to start feeding him frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, and a betta pellet. If he's acting normally, then keep up with his care, but just watch the tumour for growth. There really isn't anything more you can do for him except keep him comfortable.

 

[BeckyFish97]

I have to agree with fleetfish, it does look like some sort of tumor, if it is the only thing you can do for him is give him lots of tlc, although if you have a fish vet near you (I have one near me in the uk) then feel free to take him to see the vet, they may be able to do something for him. I'm really sorry I couldn't have given you a happier answer

 

[lilyth88]

Yeah, that definitely isn't bloating. Don't fast him.

 

[BeckyFish97]

I think if it was bloating then it would be the same on the other side of the fish, and the shape would be altogether more rounded

 

[Kiku]

Sad news, guys....Alby's tumor-thing is now worse and one eye is starting to look like popeye....I cleaned his tank extra well and took out all of the fake plants in case they were harboring bacteria. I'm not sure what else to do T.T

 

[Kiku]

Is there any kind of treatment for this? I always did weekly water changes, I can't imagine the water got so dirty on its own...but during this cleaning I did notice a lot of brown slime on the sides. I cleaned it off entirely and rinsed in hot water three times just to be sure....I have no idea what this is

 

[BeckyFish97]

I just put into google images : betta fish tumors, and it brought up some awful results which sadly are practically identical to alby's suspected tumor, my advice would be try and keep alby as comfortable as possible, or if you think it would be better for alby maybe putting him to sleep would be another option.

 

[lilyth88]

Is there any kind of treatment for this? I always did weekly water changes, I can't imagine the water got so dirty on its own...but during this cleaning I did notice a lot of brown slime on the sides. I cleaned it off entirely and rinsed in hot water three times just to be sure....I have no idea what this is

What kind of light do you use and how long do you leave it on?

 

[Kiku]

What kind of light do you use and how long do you leave it on?

It's a....well, I'm not sure what it's called. It's a small bulb, probably made for nightlights, but it gets quite warm. I turn it on when I wake up and turn it off before bed...he also has a little water heater.

 

[Kiku]

I just put into google images : betta fish tumors, and it brought up some awful results which sadly are practically identical to alby's suspected tumor, my advice would be try and keep alby as comfortable as possible, or if you think it would be better for alby maybe putting him to sleep would be another option.

I just looked it up and oh dear, I think you're right. I feel absolutely sick with worry....I've never euthanized a fish and I'd be terrified to....it's also hard to tell how much pain he is in.

 

[fleetfish]

I'm so very sorry ... I've had a few bettas with cancer tumours and sometimes they are just too far gone. The tumours can start internally and just spread until they erupt at the surface. At least he had a full year with you and lots of love and attention.

 

[Kiku]

I think the best thing I can do is do frequent water changes and buy some clean plants for him so he'll feel safe and comfortable....I'm scared to even look at him because of the popeye and the tumor. I feel like a horrible owner ;__; I must have done something wrong for it to get this bad.

 

[fleetfish]

You're not a bad owner. I know it's hard to see them so sick, but it's not your fault ... these things just happen wether you want them to or not.