Do Bettas sometimes get a teardrop shape and what could be causing it?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the observation of a Betta fish developing a teardrop shape, with participants exploring potential causes such as feeding habits, health issues, and natural growth patterns. The context includes concerns about the fish's living conditions and overall health, as well as anecdotal experiences with Betta fish.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that the Betta's teardrop shape could be due to over- or under-feeding, expressing uncertainty about whether this is a normal change or a sign of disease.
  • Another participant suggests that the shape could indicate pregnancy, referencing their own experience with fish that exhibited similar symptoms when breeding.
  • Concerns are raised about the fish's living conditions, with suggestions for better tank setups and feeding practices.
  • A participant mentions the possibility of the fish having simply grown into its adult body shape, questioning if the fish was purchased at full adult size.
  • There is mention of the lifespan of Betta fish, with one participant stating that they typically live about two years, which may relate to the health concerns raised.
  • Some participants share personal experiences with their own Bettas, including one expressing sorrow over the death of their fish, which adds emotional context to the discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of views on the cause of the Betta's shape, with no consensus on whether it is a normal developmental change, a sign of pregnancy, or a health issue. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the specific cause of the observed teardrop shape.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the lack of direct observation of the fish, which complicates diagnosis. Participants also reference varying experiences and knowledge levels regarding Betta care, which may influence their perspectives.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in Betta fish care, particularly those concerned about health and developmental changes in their pets, may find this discussion relevant.

DaveC426913
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I have a friend who got a Betta as a pet for her child. It's in a little 1-2L container with a small light. I know it's not the best, but that's beyond my control. (I would put a heater and an aerator in there.)

I'm comfortable looking after Bettas myself, but I know from my own experience that sometimes they are prone to diseases from water quality and from low temps.

She wants advice, and I want to keep it alive. I'm checking on feeding and water changes.

Question at hand:

The fish has gotten that unusual teardrop shape that I see Bettas sometimes get (see attached sketch). It used to be more fish-shaped but now its belly bulges more, while its caudal peduncle (tail area) has gotten thinner. It was not me that noticed this, it was my friend, so it's enough for her to notice a change.

It is not bulging appreciably, I've had Bettas that bulge. It is a *smooth* bulge, so not a tapeworm. I'm just not sure if this is normal or if this is the onset of disease (bloating).

As far as I can tell, It does NOT have dropsy (i.e. pineconing scales).

Otherise, it looks quite healthy: active, alert, erect fins, eating.

Could this be simply over- or under-feeding?

What think? Am I borrowing trouble?
 

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That's how my fish looked when they were having babies.

I guess you've already checked online for similar symptoms?
 
Greg Bernhardt said:
My betta that I've had for two years died last night :(
I'm so sorry, they're so pretty. Had it been sick?
 
I think it dies of old age. Isn't the life span of a captive Betta only about 2 years?
 
Evo said:
I'm so sorry, they're so pretty. Had it been sick?

Not sure, it was acting fine up until a few days ago and then dead.
 
Evo said:
That's how my fish looked when they were having babies.
That was my first thought. Are Betta's live-bearing? It could have been bought pregnant and is just starting to show it? Otherwise, I don't know much about fish other than how to cook them. :rolleyes: It's not just a natural variation that shows up as they mature, is it?
 
betta males make a bubble nest first, then the females lays the eggs, which sink to the bottom. The male takes the eggs and blows them into the bubble nest. So if she with eggs, they won't survive. One the good side..she will live and live a normal healthy life.

You can get really cheap good 1 gallon takes at walmarts..compleat with everything you need. But bettas can live a long time in the little bowls, with weekly water changes.
 
Hey, back to my question!

Any armchair vets here want to take a crack at it? Would a pic help?
 
  • #10
Hmmmmm, kinda tough to diagnose without being able to watch the fish. Was the fish purchased at approx. full adult size? Perhaps he has simply grown into his adult body shape. There must be some pretty good inbreeding to achieve the variety of color and fin patterns that these fish exhibit so maybe it's a corrollary to that. If is continues to behave normally, there's probably no reason to be concerned. You could try a more varied diet including more meaty foods like ground beef heart and brine shrimp, these fish do well on that type of diet.
 
  • #11
"Hmmmmm, kinda tough to diagnose without being able to watch the fish. Was the fish purchased at approx. full adult size? Perhaps he has simply grown into his adult body shape."
It's only been a couple of months, and the fish changed enough for mommy to notice and ask about it.

She's feeding it "pellets" (Betta bits?)
 

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