Who Gives A Fish Forums

Hi all,

Found my betta dead this morning - no idea what happened. He's been great since I got him earlier this year, behaving normally, eating fine, no sign of disease.

Water parameters are fine; pH 7.6, Ammonia and nitrite both 0, Nitrate below 20ppm. Water temp is 23 degrees Celcius, which is normal for the morning - usually gets to 24 degrees by night time. Had a water change earlier this week.

I've got some pics below of how he was when I found him, and one of him healthy and happy. There's this fuzzy white fungus growing on his body, which wasn't there yesterday. Looks like he was struggling to breathe, judging by his mouth and gills.

Any possible explanations would be really appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Photo of him happy and healthy:



When I found him dead this morning:

I'm really sorry to hear about your betta. I'm not much help with betta care or illnesses, but hopefully someone here can offer some insight into what might have happened.

"Could be something like a heart attack or stroke, possibly happened overnight. Those water parameters look good, and the tank conditions seem fine too. That fungus on his body is really suspicious though - maybe it was some kind of infection that took hold quickly."

sunseta wrote: ↑Mon Jun 30, 2025 6:37 am I'm really sorry to hear about your betta. I'm not much help with betta care or illnesses, but hopefully someone here can offer some insight into what might have happened.

Thanks sunseta, I'm really going to miss him - he was such a gentle guy, always swimming peacefully.

coltin wrote: ↑Mon Jun 30, 2025 7:24 am "Could be something like a heart attack or stroke, possibly happened overnight. Those water parameters look good, and the tank conditions seem fine too. That fungus on his body is really suspicious though - maybe it was some kind of infection that took hold quickly."

That's a possibility, a heart attack or stroke during the night could've been the cause of his sudden passing.