is my fish suffering from fin rot or something else?

[mazie]

Just got a video from my family of my betta, been away at uni for a bit, and her fins look like they're breaking. Is this fin rot or something else? If it is fin rot, what's the best way to treat it?

[coltin]

My concern would be more with the belly and body shape rather than just the tail. It looks like the fish might have a growth that's causing the swelling, bent back, and overall poor health, which is also affecting the tail.

I'd recommend checking the water quality and doing a 75% water change, along with daily gravel cleaning of the substrate for a week. Make sure the new water is dechlorinated before adding it to the tank. If the filter hasn't been cleaned in the last two weeks, give it a good clean.

If the fish is still eating, try varying its diet a bit. Unfortunately, apart from keeping the water clean, there's not much you can do. When the fish stops eating, it's probably time to consider euthanasia.

[mazie]

I posted about her body shape a month ago when it first started, someone replied saying it could be a tumor or cyst. If that's what's causing her fins to break, is there no treatment I can try to help with it?

[coltin]

If it's indeed a tumour or cyst, I'm afraid the best you can do is keep your betta comfortable and consider euthanasia when she stops eating. Large growths like these can put immense pressure on the internal organs, compromising circulation and weakening the immune system, ultimately leading to a decline in her overall health.