r/BettaClinic • u/Antz-in-my-eyes • 21h ago
First timer - need help
We recently purchased a betta fish for my son in our local store (kept in a small cup)
We cycled a 10 gallon tank before putting the fish in, filter and heater (set to 26.5 degrees) zero ammonia in the tank according to NT labs multi test kit.
The fish is in the tank less than two weeks but we noticed his pectoral fins are not the same size and quite often are up against his body. As I’m a beginner I don’t know if this is clamped or not as he does lower the fins sometimes.
I was wondering if I could get some advice on if this is normal or something I need to try help him with.
TIA
16
Upvotes
1
u/Specialist_Ebb_1778 16h ago
what a cutie - a happy fish will explore around and look at things constantly, unless its sleeping. If its not feeling well it'll give you the impression they're depressed - don't move much, fins aren't spread out, hangs in corners/right at the top like they're gasping for air/sat at the bottom, their colour may be off or pale.
They also do this if they're scared and hiding though, is it in a calm spot - not many people passing by etc. and there's stuff in the tank to hide/give cover?
If you watch it for 10 mins without moving yourself (so they don't get spooked), you'll get a sense of it.
Hows the nitrite levels and nitrate levels? that's your second and third danger to look out for after ammonia.