Beta Tailfin

Question
I have looked into everything there is about betta fish, read many stories and taken all advice possible. I have a beautiful emerald green fish that is very happy and active, but I noticed that this morning his tail fin is tattered.  Not tattered as if he was in a fight seeing as he is in a tank all alone, but tattered as in separated from one big fan tail to a bigger fan with a few smaller ones below it now.  I haven't read about this happening, and was wondering if his being too active around his plastic plant caused it?  I hope it isn't from stress or being unhappy. He is warm, has a good appetite and gets cleaned regularly. I was just wondering about it because his behavior has not changed, just the look of his tail, there are separations and when he last flared I thought I saw a hole.  I am curious as to what causes it, my guess was all of his swimming rapidly all over the tank and all the flaring he does when he catches a glimpse of himself in the glass. Thanks for your time!

Answer
Hi Luke;

Glad to hear he is such a peppy little fella! Since he is healthy in all other respects, I would say it is the plant. I have heard of this more and more. They get their delicate tails and fins shredded from a seemingly harmless object. Take it out and watch to be sure his tail gets better. A product that may help is Melafix. It has natural ingredients that aid healing and prevent infection. It also soothes raw areas.

There is also the possibility that he bit himself. Sounds weird, but many bettas actually bite their own tails because they think it is another betta! If removing the plant doesn't help, give him a mirror next to his tank to keep him busy.

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Chris Robbins

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