Velvet is a very common disease among betta fish. However, it can affect many types of fish, even the youngest. Anabantoids, goldfish, zebrafish, and danios are likely to be infected with velvet.
This disease can appear as a velvety gray or gold coating on the fin or body areas. Sometimes it can look like gold dust has been sprinkled on your betta fish. If this layer of gold is difficult to see, it will become very visible if you shine a flashlight beam into your tank when it is dark.
Unfortunately, Velvet is a disease that can kill your betta if left untreated.
Symptoms of velvet disease
- A gray or gold velvet coating on the body and fins.
- Sudden weight loss or loss of appetite.
- fins that are attached
- Lethargy
- skin peeling
- breathing difficulties
- skin wounds
- Betta scratches against objects that are hard
In the early stages of this disease, you may notice your betta fish rubbing against hard objects. This happens because it is trying to eliminate the parasites. However, as the disease spreads, fish can become almost immobile with no appetite, lose weight, and sadly die.
How to prevent velvet disease
First, place your infected fish in a quarantine tank for at least two weeks. This is where you will treat it. Then test the quality of your water regularly. Lastly, keep your betta fish fed a nutritious and balanced diet.
Velvet can only occur if your tank conditions are poor. This condition is quite infectious so by having a quarantine tank ready to go you can greatly reduce the chances of the disease spreading throughout the aquarium. For this reason, it is very important to immediately remove any fish that appears infected and place them in a quarantine tank.
Treatment of velvet disease
Although many people don’t realize it, the temperature of the water plays an important role in helping to treat an infected Betta. It’s important to keep the water temperature on the warmer side, usually between 82 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit. Lighting also plays an important role. Keep the lighting dim for a few days. That will also help your fish. Lastly, add the proper amount of aquarium salt. The general rule of thumb is for every gallon of water in your tank, add 1 teaspoon gradually over a three hour period.
Velvet is a highly contagious disease and it can develop into an advanced stage before you realize what is happening. Therefore, it is vital to apply the treatment procedures as soon as you notice any signs. An effective treatment is malachite green. Read the manufacturer’s instructions for the amount of time that should be used to ensure your betta fish is fully healed before returning it to its original tank.
Checking for signs at an early stage can help prevent any disease from occurring. The best thing you can do for your betta fish is to pay attention and try to prevent illness from manifesting itself in the first place.