is betta tail length affecting swimming

[folksy]

I'm seeing some improvement with his face, but now I'm concerned about another issue.

I knew he had a pretty big chunk of his tail missing when I bought him - about a quarter of it. I figured it was due to the terrible conditions at the pet store, which I'm guessing led to the tail biting. Now that his tail has almost fully grown back, I've noticed it's always pointing downwards, even when he's flaring. He's still able to swim, but his movements seem a bit labored, like he's carrying some extra weight.

The past few days, he's been resting more than usual, but his breathing seems fine and there's no bloating or pineconing. I've been testing the water daily since I noticed this change, and everything looks normal - his appetite is good, and he's still making bubble nests. I measured him, and his body is 3.5 cm, with his tail and bottom fin adding another 3.5 cm.

What really caught my attention was when I saw him turn around while swimming and attempt to bite his tail today.

[happyone]

I've had a few large-tailed male bettas before, and I've noticed they can have this issue too - the tail can be quite weighty, affecting their movement and swimming.

[folksy]

I actually picked him up from a pet store on a whim, he was in such bad shape I couldn't leave him behind - I was there for other fish, but he came home with me instead. To be honest, if I had a choice I'd probably go for a plakat next time, they just seem like less hassle with those big tails.

[happyone]

I'm seeing some improvement with his face, but now I'm concerned about another issue.

I knew he had a pretty big chunk of his tail missing when I bought him - about a quarter of it. I figured it was due to the terrible conditions at the pet store, which I'm guessing led to the tail biting. Now that his tail has almost fully grown back, I've noticed it's always pointing downwards, even when he's flaring. He's still able to swim, but his movements seem a bit labored, like he's carrying some extra weight.

The past few days, he's been resting more than usual, but his breathing seems fine and there's no bloating or pineconing. I've been testing the water daily since I noticed this change, and everything looks normal - his appetite is good, and he's still making bubble nests. I measured him, and his body is 3.5 cm, with his tail and bottom fin adding another 3.5 cm.

What really caught my attention was when I saw him turn around while swimming and attempt to bite his tail today.

Big thanks for saving him from that pet store, he's one lucky betta.

[kingrise]

Unfortunately, tail biting is often a deeply ingrained habit, and there isn't a magic solution to completely prevent it from happening.

[loden]

Is there ample space for him to take a break and rest when needed?

[folksy]

I've got plenty of hiding spots and resting places for him - a wide sponge filter, some broad leaves, and redmoor that reaches the surface, plus sand for him to dig in. Setting up a shallow tank might be an option, but for now, I'm stuck figuring out where to put it since space is an issue.

[belleora]

I've heard positive reviews about introducing a ping pong ball to the tank, offering an engaging distraction that could shift his focus away from tail biting. Although I'm not well-versed in betta care, I often seek advice from @roygun_1, who's knowledgeable in this area.

Drawing from my experience with parrots, I recall how they sometimes develop feather plucking habits due to inadequate conditions or boredom. Providing alternative stimulation can be effective in redirecting their attention and reducing this behavior. It's not unlike humans biting their nails - once it becomes a habit, it can be challenging to break.

[folksy]

Not resting all the time, just more often than usual lately. Planning to add a lot more plants and some tankmates to keep him company - he's already got a 18gal with over 100 shrimp to chase around, so I don't think boredom is the issue. He seems fine, just a bit 'heavy' and maybe gets tired easily because of those huge fins. Don't know how much he was tail biting before, and today was the first time I caught him trying to, so I'm not sure if it's a habit he's developing or just a one-time thing. He's okay for now, but I want to be prepared in case things take a turn for the worse - already got a backup plan in place, seeding a second filter and stockpiling plants for a potential second tank.

[belleora]

I'm not saying he's resting all the time, just more often than I'm used to seeing. I've got plans to add a lot more plants and maybe some tankmates for him to hang out with - he's already got a 18gal tank with over 100 shrimp to keep him company. To be honest, I don't think he's bored, just like I said before, he seems a bit 'heavy' and might get tired because of those huge fins. I'm not sure how much tail biting was going on before, and today was the first time I caught him trying to, so we'll see if it happens again or not. For now, he's doing alright, but I wanted to get some advice just in case things take a turn for the worse. I've already got my eye on some stuff I might need, and I'm seeding a second filter and setting aside some extra plants for a potential second tank.