my beta fish is sick :(

Question
QUESTION: hi, my beta is blue and its name is Malibu. We have had him for about 6 months, not to long. about 2 weeks ago my dad decided to grab Malibu out of the tank to another bowl so we can clean his tank. he was to lazy to look for the net to catch him. since then he has developed what looks like grey scales. it started on his head and has moved down to his body. its getting worse everyday. i don't know if he gave Malibu a "human" disease or what. he has been sluggish and sitting at the bottom of the tank alot. only coming up for food and air.Please help me and Malibu!!! he is a great fish and i want him to continue to be. thanks,

Shelby wright

ANSWER: Shelby

It sounds like you need to let your dad know that touching a fish is a really bad idea. This could be caused from a number of things. The oil on your dad's hands, the type of soap he last washed his hands in, the last thing he touched with his hands...
Fish are very fragile animals and require specific water conditions to keep them healthy and alive.

But as for what this is, I'm not quite sure. I will do some more research on the possible cause of the illness and I will get in touch with you asap.

Bethany

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: the scales now are starting to look red, kind of like when a kid scrapes his knee and it bleeds. but nothing is coming out of it its just redish, grey looking

Answer
It sounds like Malibu has a case of Septicemia. It causes bleeding or red streaks on the body and ulcers may also be present. As soon as possible I recommend going to you local petstore and buy an antibiotic called Maracyn-Two. It isn't too expensive and if this is really Septicemia, then this should help it.

If any other symptoms come up, please let me know.