I think I have a sick Betta

Question
OK I am not sure where bettas poop from but my male that I have had for a year has what looks to be a white curly something hanging from under his belly. It looks like it is hanging from a strand. I was just wondering if you could tell me what is going on and if my Herbert (Herbie) is OK or what I can do for him.

Answer
Your Betta will release his waste from near his back end. But a white curly something hanging from under his belly does not sound like it is fecal matter. It sounds like a parasite (worm).  This can be treated with something called BettaZing.  I would get that and follow the directions on it closely.  While you are getting the BettaZing, also pick up a box of Aquarium Salt if you do not have it. It's inexpensive.

It is VERY important that you keep your Betta's bowl/tank immaculately clean, by doing a 100% water change and cleaning weekly.  Put your Betta into something else with some water from his tank. Then, rinse and clean the gravel with hot hot water (ONLY hot water, NO chemicals).  Use a paper towel to clean his bowl/tank with hot water also. When you put new dechlorinated water back in, make sure it's about the same temperature as the other water.  Then, take a little of the water back out into a clean soap free cup and add a couple of pinches of Aquarium Salt, and mix it around for a bit (to dissolve it as much as possible). Then pour all that into the bowl.  When you put your Betta back into the bowl, DO NOT pour the old water back in. Use a net to transfer him back.

Aquarium salt does a couple of things.  It helps ward off disease and parasites, and it also helps the fish to heal. So I feel putting some salt in his tank at every cleaning is a good thing. Just don't overdo it. A couple of pinches for a bowl is fine.

It is very very important that you keep your Bettas water clean, and do not overfeed him. These are the main causes of Bettas getting sick.  Any fish in an unfiltered environment needs to have a full water change weekly. It's the only way to keep the fish happy and healthy.

I hope this helps.  Good luck!!    ;o)