Who Gives A Fish Forums

Hi everyone, I've had my Betta for about 5-6 weeks and I've noticed a change in his tail shape. When I first got him, he had a square notch in his back tail - it was smooth and I thought it was just part of his build. But now it's changed to a long, ragged triangle that almost reaches his body. It's not red, but it's a bit rough around the edges.

I've got 2 Norman lampeyes in the tank with him and I haven't seen any fin nipping. I'm stumped, so I thought I'd ask if anyone has any ideas what could be causing this and how I can fix it? I've attached some pictures to help - the first one is from the day I got him and the last two were taken this morning.

I've got a silk plant and a temple monument with hard plastic plants in the tank - he loves to sleep on those and sit by the filter. Maybe the filter is sucking his fins up and damaging them? I've attached the pictures, so take a look and see if you can help me out. Thanks so much, I'd really appreciate it!

I think your Betta might be a double tail, those types have tails with two separate lobes, and the split you're seeing is pretty normal for them, he's a real beauty too

I really appreciate your help, fin_tank. I was getting a bit concerned he was getting his tail caught on something, but it's reassuring to know it's just a normal part of being a double tail betta. Even though he didn't have this split when I first got him, I guess it's just a case of him growing into it?

It's possible that the tail was just smaller when you first got him, so the split wasn't as noticeable, but now that it's grown, it's more apparent.

Hi everyone,

I'm reaching out again as my betta's fin situation has taken a turn for the worse.
I've had her for about two months now, and initially, her fins were perfect - beautiful and healthy.
However, over the past week or so, I've noticed her back fin looks ripped, and what was once a slight square notch has turned into a long, ragged tear. Her top fin is also ripped now.
She's been housed with 2 Norman lampeyes, and they all seem to get along just fine - I haven't witnessed any fin nipping or aggression.

I'm really hoping someone can offer some advice or insight into what's going on with her fins.
They used to have a white outline, but it's become more prominent now, and her colours aren't as vibrant as they used to be.
She still loves to sit by the filter, which makes me wonder if that's the culprit.
On the bright side, she's still swimming and eating normally.
I've attached some before and after pictures - any help would be greatly appreciated, thank you!

I'm not much help, but maybe @essjay or @coltin could offer some advice?

Honestly, I think bettas are best off alone, no other fish in the tank. They're naturally aggressive and do better solo.

First things first, give the glass a good wipe, vacuum the substrate, and do a 75% water change - that's a good starting point. Then, add 1-2 heaped tablespoons of aquarium salt per 20 litres for 2 weeks, see how that goes.

I'm probably wrong, so wait for @coltin's input, but personally, I'd rehome the lampeyes and give the betta its own space.

Bettas aren't meant to be community fish, they're best on their own. Even if everything seems fine, there could still be underlying aggression that's affecting your Betta's fins. I'd recommend either giving your Betta a new home, just for himself, or rehoming the Norman lampeyes.

For the fin issue, I'd do large water changes, 40-50% daily, until you start to see an improvement. Also, could you please upload a picture of your filter? I'm curious to see if that might be causing the problem. If you suspect the filter's to blame, try covering the intake with some panty hose to see if that helps.