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I hope I'm not breaking any rules since I did mention my current concern in another thread in the Labyrinth section - however, my main thrust in that thread was a downside to my eBay live fish experience..... so hopefully, it's okay to post here....
Anyway, I'm seeking information regarding damaged fins and Bettas... I have several questions... And I did try a search on this site "Betta Fin Damage" that didn't produce any results (kind of wondering if I used the wrong search terminology - but can't figure out how else to look it up!)as well as trying to skim through a book on Bettas again, not being able to find anything on this particular topic...
1) Once major fin damage has occurred, are there any treatment procedures that should be followed which would promote healing/growth/recovery?
2) Do female Betta fins always grow back?
3) Are there any things I should be looking for - ie: infection, disease, etc. - due to the condition of the fins?
4) Is the betta able to maintain a healthy life even if the damage is irreparable?

Additional Information That Might Be Needed: Fin damage occurred prior to my receipt of the fish... Thus, none of the community fish members inflicted said damage - and although the bettas in question currently reside in a 55 gal tank with mollies, platys, angels and guppies - all their tank mates are leaving them alone.... // Except for the fin damage, the bettas have overall excellent health // Current diet consists of being fed a minimum of 3 times a day on a rotation menu of flake, bloodworms and brine shrimp // Partial water change/vaccum is done on a weekly basis // Water parameters have been checked and all levels fall within acceptable range // Community tank temp is a consistent 78 degrees

Thank you so much for any advice/help that you can give me...

To thine own self be true...

Current diet consists of being fed a minimum of 3 times a day on a rotation menu of flake, bloodworms and brine shrimp

Three times a day is quite a lot of feeding. I would consider dropping it to once or twice.

As for the fin damage, do they have fin rot, fungus, etc on their fins? If they got their fins tore up and aren't exhibiting any symptoms otherwise, as with any fish it's best to quarantine anyway for the duration of the healing. I would suggest a broad spectrum antibiotic (such as Maracyn Plus) to ensure they don't get secondary infections during the process of their recovery.

Serious fin damage/disease can be controlled by trimming off the diseased area of the fins with a sharp pair of scissors...

The trimmed area is then treated with a swab of iodine. Melafix, half strength dose, an anticeptic, is then added to the tank water.

Melafix can also be swabbed to the fin instead of iodine.

This is a life-saving measure and will have an affect on the presentation of the Betta.

--garyroland.


[span class="edited"][Edited by garyroland 2004-07-04 11:54][/span]

if you could get some pics that would really help! i agree with garoland on the melifix thing and the other thing he said!!