Tail splitting and agitated, what should I do?

**Lebroo9350** · 09-20-2012, 05:02 AM

I have a young half moon betta. I have had him for about 3 weeks now. He is probably 6-8 months old. I have recently put him in 2 gallon aqurium because of his activity level and he seemed to respond well to it. Today after getting home from work, I stop to check on him and the other bettas I own (separate containers), and he has multiple holes in his anal fin and caudal fin as well as complete splits. He has lost multiple scales as well. He is highly agitated. I can not even walk past him with out him flaring at me as if we're another betta fish. He has always been docile with people especially me. What can I do? It has been a week since I changed his water and I know it is time but I am afraid to stress him out further with a water change. What could be causing his issues? He was axting absolutely normal this morning. I looked him over really well because his caudal fin looked off from the angle I saw him, but not wholes and complete splits. Please help me!

**Lady Hobbs** · 09-20-2012, 05:23 AM

You mentioned you put him in a 2 gallon because of his activity level. What would he be in if he wasn't active? Betta's should really be in at least 5 gallon with a filter so they have a cycled tank. He may have bacterial problems due to confined space and stress.

He probably needs more water changes not less and especially if this is bacterial.

**Lebroo9350** · 09-20-2012, 07:11 AM

I have read plenty on fin rot but other than the two large tears and few holes I don't see increased redness or darkening of the edges. The scales missing also worries me but there isn't any white spots around the edges. I placed him in a smaller aquarium so I could change the water and he has calmed down drastically. He is no longer acting aggressive toward me. He isn't happy with the size of course but it has soothed him it seems.

**kingkarter** · 09-20-2012, 09:57 PM

+1 what lady hobbs said.

Why did you take him out to change the water and How much of a water change did you do? Your'e really pushing the minimum at 2gallons. I would upgrade to a 5 gallon tank like LH said.