Velvet is a serious disease that can affect your betta and other fish. It is caused by parasites like Piscinoodinium pillulare in freshwater and Amyloodinium ocellatum in saltwater environments. These tiny dinoflagellate organisms attach themselves to the fish, leading to a range of clinical signs, such as a dusty, rust, or gold dust appearance on their skin.
Without prompt treatments, this infestation can quickly kill affected fish. I once added a new plant to my aquarium without proper care, and my fish became exposed to this highly contagious parasite. It reminded me how easily velvet can hitchhike on items like plants, décor, or other inhabitants like shrimp and snails.
Recognizing Velvet Disease in Betta Fish
Its symptoms are often subtle at first. As the disease progresses, the fish becomes lethargic, with its fins held close to its body and its appetite reduced. Over time, the fish loses weight, and key symptoms like difficulty breathing, rapid gilling, and a loss of color appear.
The most telltale sign of this illness is the appearance of a yellow or gold-like dust covering the fish’s skin. This velvety film can resemble gold or rust-colored dust and is often difficult to spot without a beam of a flashlight in a darkened room.
Possible Cures for Velvet
When treating Velvet in betta fish, it’s important to act quickly.
- The first step is to isolate the infected fish from any other inhabitants in the aquarium to prevent the disease from spreading. In the case of Velvet, it’s crucial to treat the entire aquarium, not just the fish itself. Velvet thrives in the water, so treating the water directly is essential for success.
- A good option to help manage the illness is using medication, especially when the disease is in its free-swimming stage. This is when the Velvet parasite is most vulnerable to the medication, making it easier to remove the disease.
Start treatment as soon as you notice the symptoms and continue until you’re sure the disease is completely gone.
Important Steps to Treat Velvet in Betta Fish
1:- Temperature of The Aquarium
Keep the water at a higher temperature, ideally around 85°F. A warmer aquarium can help in curing the infection faster. If your betta is in a small aquarium (15L or less), I would suggest moving it to a larger aquarium (20L or more) with a heater to maintain a consistent 85°F.
2:- Significant Water Change
An 80% water change helps to remove any toxins and create a fresh environment for your fish. Be sure to remove any chemical media from the filter, like carbon, as it will absorb the medication, making it useless.
3:- Use Aquarium Salt
Salt is an effective and gentle way to help your fish recover, but it’s important to add the correct amount and monitor your betta fish closely during the healing process.
Is Salt Still Suitable When Betta Fish Aren’t Alone in the Aquarium?
It’s crucial to consider the needs of other aquarium dwellers. Some critters, like shrimp or snails, and delicate plants, may not be salt-resistant. This makes it challenging to treat the entire tank without harming other animals.
Once the betta is fully treated, you can reintroduce it to its home tank.
I’ve cured Velvet, but it keeps coming back
There are some crucial steps to ensure the critter is removed entirely and doesn’t exist in your tank anymore.
Medicate for at least 10 days, even after the symptoms are physically gone, as Velvet can remain in the tank, affecting the betta without visible signs. I’d also recommend cleaning the tank every 72 hours and removing organic debris, which acts as a breeding ground for the parasite.
Make sure the water stays warm, clean, and well-filtered.
FAQs
How to treat velvet on fish?
- To treat velvet, first, isolate the sick fish in a quarantine tank. Keep the tank dark because velvet parasites thrive in light. Raise the water temperature slightly (but stay within safe limits for your fish species). Use an anti-parasitic medicine like copper-based treatments, following the instructions carefully. Add aquarium salt if your fish tolerate it, as it can help relieve stress. Keep the water clean and monitor your fish closely.
Will my fish survive velvet?
- Your fish can survive velvet if you catch it early and start treatment quickly. Velvet can be deadly if untreated, so act fast. With proper care and treatment, many fish recover and return to good health.
What does velvet look like on Betta?
- Velvet looks like a fine golden, yellow, or rusty dust on your betta’s body, fins, or gills. You might notice your betta scratching against objects in the tank because velvet causes itching. Other signs include lethargy, clamped fins, and loss of appetite.
How long does it take to treat velvet?
- It usually takes about 7–10 days to treat velvet, but it can take longer if the infection is severe. Follow the treatment instructions and continue for a few extra days after the symptoms disappear to ensure the parasites are gone.
Conclusion
To treat velvet in betta fish effectively, use copper-based medications and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Ensure the tank’s water is clean, maintain consistent temperatures, and dim the lighting to reduce stress on the fish. Use aquarium salt to support healing, and always quarantine infected fish to prevent spreading. Regular monitoring and early detection are critical for successful treatment.