Beta Losing colour

Question
Hi Chris

We have a femaile siamese fish who has in the last month started to lose her colouring.. she actually used to be quiet vibrant especially for a female but I am really concerned that she has become dull..

We have a 30cm by 30 cm tank , it has been set up for about a year, we constantly watch the temp and use a heater when in winter, we keep her in the tank with our male siamese, but have the tank blocked of so they can't get to each other.. we clean the tank one a month...

would be nice to hear some feedback.

cheers
Lindsay

Answer
Hi Lindsay;

She may be getting old. Bettas are almost a year old when we buy them so she could be about 2 by now. Their life span is 2 to 3 years. Many live longer, but that's an average.

Keep her water warmer and cleaner to help her metabolism and immunity stay strong. The temperature of the water should be at least 76 to 78. 80 to 82 is even better. Fish need at least a partial water change every week. Consistent water chemistry helps fish stay healthy.

Look closely at her body for signs of swelling, bumps, spots, fungus, etc. Look at her eyes to be sure they aren't protruding and at her breathing to be sure she isn't having trouble. Here are sites with disease info that is very helpful;

http://www.mushi.petfish.net/bettadisease.html
http://www.siamsbestbettas.com/diseases.html
http://www.bettysplendens.com/articles/page.asp?articleid=719
http://www.healthybetta.com/illcure.html
http://www.bettatalk.com/betta_diseases.htm

At Your Service;
Chris Robbins