Betta fish have a colorful look that enhances the beauty and allure of the aquarium, making them lovely fish to have as pets. However, these fish are prone to a number of health problems. We must thus take care of them in order for them to enjoy long and healthy lives. A number of variables, including diet, illness susceptibility, water quality and chemistry, and tank mates, affect how long a Betta lives. So, do betta fish die easily, then?
Bettas are hardy, but in order to be healthy and have a long, happy life, they require specific water conditions and a specific diet. With adequate care, these robust fish should survive for three to five years. Betta fish are susceptible to abrupt death from any disease, injury, toxin, or infection. As they age, they develop a number of signs and symptoms that indicate they will die soon.
Reasons Why Betta Fish Die
There are numerous potential outcomes from each cause. Only you can compare your betta’s symptoms to the numerous diagnostic lists to see if they match and determine if it may have killed your fish. For instance, poor water quality can result in a number of different illnesses that your fish could die from. A Betta fish may occasionally pass away with no outward signs of illness or even with delayed symptoms that appear just at the very end. To be able to prevent such incredibly tragic consequences, it is crucial for all owners to be aware of the most prevalent causes of Betta’s demise.
Poor Water Quality
Any fish, especially betta fish, needs clean water to stay healthy. Freshwater habitats support betta fish. In their native environment, they reside in ponds, marshes, rice paddies, and shallow, slowly flowing streams.
You should examine the water’s PH, density, acidity level, and other factors before putting a betta in an aquarium.
A variety of water conditions are suitable for betta fish. One of these is treated and dechlorinated tap water. Other options include bottled water (but make sure to check the PH level) and water from a pet supply store.
Your aquarium’s water PH level should be about 7. Distilled water is a bad choice since it will absolutely kill your Betta fish. Minerals crucial to a Betta fish’s vital health are absent from distilled water.
To prevent the water in the fish tank from being poisonous for the betta fish, you also need to give it a filter. Using the filter, you can guarantee that you can remove all the harmful waste. In order to perform this action, water must change on a regular basis.
Your Betta fish should be able to maintain a clean and healthy habitat with just a 10–30% water change once a week.
Incorrect Housing
New hobbyists sometimes place a Betta fish in a vase or bowl and presume that the fish will be content. only to discover that they are pacing and fading away in their dish. Small bodies of water encourage the rapid buildup of pollutants, which can eventually harm your fish. Additionally, the betta experiences extreme stress in these cramped areas since they are unable to see past the curving walls because they distort their natural eyesight. Stress can cause a variety of ailments, reducing your betta’s lifespan by years. When living in substandard conditions, it is not unusual for Bettas to pass away suddenly.
Bad Genetics
Since most Betta owners get their fish from pet stores, it is inevitable that the fish may experience problems resulting from poor breeding. Betta fish are raised in large-scale fish farms, where they are grown for numbers rather than quality. Poor genetics might lead your pet to barely live half as long as it could and to pass away suddenly. Betta fish from pet stores frequently get tumors and pass away a few weeks later.
Old Age
Your Betta may be getting older if you have a wonderful setup for them and they have been living with you for a while, but you notice they are slowing down and aren’t as active as they once were. Sadly, once a Betta (2–5 years old) begins exhibiting signs of old age, they usually only have a few weeks left to live. It is not uncommon to discover that your Betta was acting elderly after she passed away.
Non-Cycled Tank
Cycle the tank first to achieve a good establishment of helpful bacteria before you even get a betta. The nitrogen cycle is a procedure that is a crucial initial step for all new aquariums. Cycling a tank guarantees that harmful amounts of ammonia and nitrite swiftly convert into nitrate, which is non-toxic to fish and invertebrates at low levels. The procedure might take four to eight weeks. Your fish may experience toxicity buildup if the water parameters are not at 0 ppm ammonia and nitrite. The most frequent reason for young fish to perish is this.
Ammonia poisoning
Along its body, the fish has black or red spots and red or black stripes. Lethargy, lack of appetite, and clamped fins are possible symptoms. The toxin’s burning through the slime coat can lead to secondary illnesses. Never let ammonia levels get over 0 ppm (parts per million).
Nitrite poisoning
It frequently results in brown-blood disease. Brown gills, listlessness, gasping at the surface, and unexpected death are all symptoms. Brown spots may appear on white or opal Bettas. Because of an increase in methemoglobin, nitrate toxicosis causes the fish’s blood to turn brown and impairs the ability of the blood to deliver oxygen throughout the body. Never allow levels to get over 0 ppm.
Nitrate poisoning
In excess of nitrate levels in the water, frequent signs include a curled body with weight loss, loss of appetite, clamped fins, and crimson streaks. Weekly water changes and thickly planted tanks should never go beyond 25 ppm.
Overfeeding
The most frequent reason for betta fish mortality is overfeeding. As carnivores, betta fish have a meager appetite. Since giving food to fish is the main way we communicate with them, it is quite simple to overfeed them because we do so every time we go near the aquarium.
The death of your Betta fish might result from overfeeding; therefore, keep in mind the potential implications. Contrary to common opinion, gastrointestinal issues are not the primary cause of Betta fish overfeeding deaths; instead, the overfeeding itself is the primary cause of death.
In the aquarium, the food scraps that are not consumed build up as waste. Food spoils over time, which lowers the quality of the water.
Bad Tank Mates
Betta fish may coexist peacefully in a tank with a variety of different animals, including snails, shrimp, kuhli loaches, catfish, and many others. It is crucial to remember that betta fish, both male and female, are fiercely protective of their area and aggressively attack any other fish they perceive to be entering it.
Even though they are shy and fragile, which makes them easily agitated, they are also territorial and carnivorous. This means they may attack other fish and eat them. The majority of schooling fish, ghost shrimp, goldfish, African dwarf frogs, gouramis, and other bettas, to name a few, are poor tankmates for your betta fish.
The presence of these fish in the same tank as your betta might cause stress and aggression, which could be fatal. It is crucial to research a fish before adding it to your betta’s aquarium since various fish have distinct personalities. Keep an eye out for tankmates that bite or rip the betta’s fins.
Stress
A betta fish can release cortisol, a hormone that induces stress, much like a person can. For a better fish, there are two main sorts of stress. The first is low long-term stress, which is not much yet happens all the time.
A betta fish will attempt to adapt in this kind of environment, but doing so will weaken its immune system, which will cause health problems and eventually death.
Overcrowding in the tank, a tiny tank, inadequate or improper circumstances, such as temperature, and a lack of a hiding spot where the betta may unwind are the main causes of low long-term stress in aquarium fish.
The second kind of stress is transient, high-intensity stress.
This kind of stress will swiftly result in the fish’s health deteriorating or in an unexpected death. Aggressive tank mates, unexpected changes to the water, and sickness can all lead to short-term, high stress.
To detect whether your betta is stressed, you should carefully monitor it. A stressed-out betta has a poor appetite, is prone to illness, exhibits shaky swimming behavior, changes color to a duller shade, and hides often.
Water Temperature
Because Bettas are exclusively tropical fish, a heater is necessary for their survival. The ideal temperature range is 77°F to 82°F. Bettas prefer this temperature to feel at ease. It can lead to stress, which will result in illness if your betta’s temperatures are unreliable and frequently change. Coldwater can result in ich (white spot illness) or fungal infections, both of which are easily treatable by gradually raising the temperature using a pre-set heater. It can get a chill and die from poor immunity if your betta is in a tank without a heater or if the heater malfunctions.
Diseases Or Parasites
The disease may infect even the healthiest Betta fish. Through contaminated hands, equipment sharing across tanks, the addition of new fish, or even some aquatic plants, pathogens can infiltrate a tank. Due to the wide variety of drugs available to treat different ailments, every sickness is curable. However, the illness can occasionally be too resistant to therapy, killing the betta in certain cases.
Dropsy
As a result of extensive, persistent organ damage, this is more of a symptom than a true disease. The primary signs of dropsy are abdominal enlargement and pine cones, and it can kill a fish overnight (the scales stick out and resemble a pinecone when viewed from above). Dropsy is difficult to cure. This will bring a slew of diseases that have wreaked havoc on the internal organs.
Suffocation
A supply of clean oxygen in the water is necessary for all fish. The different aeration methods, such as air stones, air rings, bubble makers, and wave makers, provide this continuous and abrasive surface movement. Oxygen enters the water column as a result of gas exchange at the surface. The surface area is limited, and the amount of oxygen entering the water is small if you keep your betta in a bowl or vase. Your Betta fish may have suffocated if your tank lacks an aeration system and you frequently see it gasping at the surface. In a tank, aeration systems must operate continuously.
Medication Overdose
Even with slight dosage adjustments, the majority of aquatic drugs are safe. Nonetheless, certain prescriptions have undesired side effects and can be dangerous at certain dosages. The drug dosage found on the medication label or package is usually based on the number of liters or gallons in the container. Incorrect dosing of your Betta fish may result in a buildup of poison on their gills, suffocating them. It can also build up to hazardous levels and dissolve into circulation, which further accelerates the dying process. The same is true if incompatible drugs are used and if a portable aeration device is not present in the treatment tank.
Medication dosages are found on the label or package of the medication and typically work according to how many liters or gallons the tank is.
Chlorine Burn
Before adding betta fish, all water must be dechlorinated using a high-quality water conditioner. Water sources affect how much chlorine is present, but tap, borehole, bottled, and RO water ought to be dechlorinated. When you replace your water, you should also condition and prepare the new water for your Betta fish. Black patches represent chlorine burns. Within three hours, you can also experience fast breathing and death.
Injuries
Sharp ornaments and rough artificial plants are the main causes of injury to bettas. These materials can induce a variety of potentially fatal bacterial illnesses by tearing your betta’s fins. Other tankmates, such as other bettas, fin-nipping fish, and other undesirable tankmates, can also hurt your betta. Infections that spread from the wounded area might cause your fish to pass away inadvertently.
How To Keep Your Bettas Healthy To Decrease Death Possibility?
Preventative care is always preferable to treatment when it comes to keeping Betta fish healthy. That entails keeping your fish clean and giving them the proper surroundings. Your betta is more likely to remain healthy if you can keep them that way from the beginning.
Healthy Environment
One of the most important factors to take into account while caring for a Betta fish is the tank’s size. In a small tank, your fish won’t have enough area to swim and hide, which might lead to stress and even death.
Water Parameter
Water conditions have an impact on betta fish health. The betta fish cannot survive in water that is not the proper temperature, pH level, or hardness. It’s crucial to constantly check water parameters and make any required modifications.
Provide Filtration & Heater
The recommended temperature range for keeping bettas is between 75 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit since they are sensitive to fluctuations in water temperature (23 to 26 degrees Celsius). To keep their water clean and warm, bettas have a filter and heater.
Suggested Products:
- Eheim 3619090 Jager Aquarium Thermostat Heater 300W, Black
- Fluval E200 Advanced Electronic Heater, 100-Watt Heater for Aquariums up to 65 Gal., A773
- Hydro Professional External Canister Filter
- Eheim Classic External Canister Filter
Provide Healthy Diet
There are a few things you can do to support the health and happiness of your betta fish. Giving children healthy food is among the most crucial things you can do. Ascertain that they are receiving adequate amounts of food and water and that the food is fresh. Additionally, you may provide them with little delights like live brine shrimp or tiny pieces of fresh fruit.
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Put Plants In The Aquarium
It can be difficult to determine when your betta will die, but there are some signs to look out for. One of the warning signs is if the fish aren’t eating or appear sick. If your Betta fish isn’t eating, it may be time to start medication. If your betta looks sick, you may need to take him to the vet. Determine if your Betta is dying. There are other ways to do this, but these are just some of the most common.
Provide Medications When Necessary
It can be difficult to determine when your betta will die, but there are some signs to look out for. One of the warning signs is if the fish aren’t eating or appear sick. If your Betta fish isn’t eating, it may be time to start medication. If your betta looks sick, you may need to take him to the vet. Determine if your Betta is dying. There are other ways to do this, but these are just some of the most common.
How Do You Know When A Betta Fish Is Dying?
When a Betta fish starts to lose color, become drowsy, unresponsive, agitated, weak, gasping for air, or stop feeding, you know it’s time to put it to sleep. Depending on the condition it has, a fish’s symptoms might change as it approaches death. Swollen eyes, white spots on the skin, and dropsy are a few signs to watch out for if it’s bacterial or fungal in origin.
What To Do When A Betta Fish Is Dying?
Before choosing to medicate, it is crucial to consider all the relevant circumstances. Sickness can arise from a variety of causes, including hereditary illness, behavioral disorders, tank condition, advanced age, poor water quality, temperature concerns, etc.
Additionally, bear in mind that until a problem becomes urgent, Betta fish constantly attempt to conceal their symptoms. Placing them under stress and medicating them in urgent situations may actually make them weaker.
Therefore, quarantining the sick fish and waiting for its health to settle before administering any treatment will be more beneficial. The owner will have some free time throughout this procedure to take the fish to the veterinarian.
Conclusion
The majority of people maintain Betta fish as indoor pets because these fish are stunning, refined aquatic animals. However, it may have health issues from dirty tanks, poor water quality, and overfeeding, which can be fatal.
Make sure the tank is always clean and the temperatures are appropriate to reduce the likelihood that the fish may become ill.
It will be difficult to deal with the loss of your betta, but keep in mind that you tried your best! Fish loss is a typical occurrence in the hobby of fishkeeping, which has its ups and downs. You may expect to grow a healthy betta fish for a few years if you always make sure to do your study and provide your betta fish with the greatest possible habitat.
FAQ
Will Betta Fish Die From Tap Water?
Many people believe that tap water is suitable for betta fish, but this is not the case. To sanitize the water, tap water contains chemical additions like chlorine.
These substances are harmful to Betta fish and can even kill them. Make careful to thoroughly treat tap water to get rid of contaminants like chlorine if you want to use it in your aquarium.
Do Betta Fish Play Dead?
A Betta fish’s propensity for pretending to be dead is rather typical. For a variety of reasons, Betta fish might act as though they are dead.
They may pose as dead to attract attention, frighten their owner, or just to get food.
Although it is unsettling, there is nothing to be concerned about.
Do Betta Fish Sink Or Float When They Die?
Like many other fish, bettas have a natural buoyancy that helps keep them afloat in water. The gases released during a Betta fish’s decomposition make the fish float after it dies. This explains why, occasionally, you may notice dead Betta fish floating in the tank.