A betta fish that changes color is well-known and very common among betta fish. Some betta owners, on the other hand, maybe concerned about their betta fish turning white for no apparent reason. Your betta fish may turn white or lose its color for a variety of reasons.
Identifying the root cause behind betta fish turning white is vital in determining the correct mode of treatment for it. A betta fish that is turning white may not always be natural. It could also be the result of infections like columnaris and ich. Rising stress levels and anchor worms are also deciding factors in changing the color of a betta fish.
Reasons Behind Betta Fish Turning Black
As previously stated, there could be several reasons behind your betta fish turning white. Other factors, such as tank conditions and stress, can cause betta fish to turn white. It is critical to figure out what is causing the Betta’s discoloration.
The cause determines the nature of the treatment for your betta fish’s discoloration. Let us take a look at the various reasons why your betta fish is turning white. Here are some of the most common reasons for your Betta’s color loss.
Anchor Worms
Your beta fish can also suffer from anchor worms. Anchor worms are tiny worms that can vary in color but are often white. Other signs that your Betta has anchor worms include lethargic behavior, rubbing and scratching, ulcers and sores, and shortness of breath.
Fortunately, anchor worms are extremely rare in aquarium fish. They may enter your aquarium through a plantation, or the fish might already be infected with it. The only problem is that these worms breed very quickly. Therefore, you need to get rid of them as soon as possible.
Stress
Stress is one of the most common reasons your Betta starts to lose color. Bettas are not as tough as they are made out to be. To live peacefully, they require a 5 gallon heated and filtered tank. They must also be fed on a regular basis, have their water cleaned regularly, and be provided a carnivorous diet.
If you do not do this, your Betta’s body will grow agitated, and its color will begin to fade. If your Betta is naturally pale, and they grow stressed, they can quickly turn white. As a result, make sure your Betta is happy and stress-free.
Columnaris
Columnaris might be one of the reasons your betta fish might be becoming white. Columnaris is a bacterial illness that causes white patches on your Betta that appear fluffy at times. In addition to white patches, you may observe frayed fins, ulcers, and sores on their bodies.
Columnaris is perhaps the most common cause behind betta fish turning white. If identified early, columnaris is treatable and does not pose that much harm. The longer you ignore the symptoms, the higher the chances of your Betta getting sick.
Fin Rot
If the color change is limited to your Betta’s fins, they may be suffering from fin rot. If the fins appear ragged or damaged, this will be much more obvious. If you suspect fin rot, take action right at once to avoid additional harm.
If fin rot is not treated, it might progress to body rot. It will be exceedingly difficult to save your Betta’s fins at this point if the infection is spread throughout the body.
Ich
If your betta fish has ich, you will see white patches on their skin as well. When the parasite Ichthyopthirius multifiliis attacks your Betta’s skin, white spots appear. In addition to white spots, you will notice your Betta’s lack of appetite, sleepiness, and rubbing against tank objects in an attempt to remove the parasite.
Ich, like columnaris, should be identified as soon as possible for you to treat it properly. Ich is a common illness among betta fish and is definitely treatable.
Prevention For Betta Fish Turning White
Once you have figured out what is causing your Betta to become white, it will be much easier to find out how to fix the problem and prevent betta fish from turning white. Here are several treatment alternatives for betta fish turning white, depending on the cause.
Conditioned Tank Water
The first thing you will want to do is make sure your Betta is in a tank at least 5 gallons in size. You should also check to see whether they have a filter and a heater. Betta fish require both of these things because they are tropical fish.
You should replace the water in your Betta’s tank on a regular basis. The amount you will need to alter is determined by the size of your tank. If the tank is smaller, though, you will have to do it more regularly. You will not have to replace it as often if it is a bigger tank.
If it so happens that your betta fish turned white after the water change, then the cause behind betta fish turning white may not be unconditioned water. You also need to make sure not to change too much water at once as it can stress your betta fish.
Feeding The Right Food
You should also feed them food to improve their color and ensure that the water quality is good. Foods like salmon and daphnia are excellent sources of food. Daphnia is high in carotenoid pigments, which are the pigments that can alter the color of your Betta.
Avoid Tank Overstocking
Make sure your tank is not overstocked. When you have a large tank, it is simple to overstock it with fish. After all, there are so many excellent options. The rule of thumb is to use 1 gallon of water for every inch of fish. However, before you buy any fish, make sure you know about its specific requirements.
FAQs on Betta Fish Turning White
How can I tell if my Betta is stressed?
Your betta fish may be stressed if he is swimming furiously without going anywhere, smashing at the bottom of his tank, rubbing himself on gravel or pebbles, or locking his fins at his side.
Do betta fish play dead?
Betta fish do, in fact, pretend to be dead. Betta fish, in fact, like to sleep in postures that make them seem dead.
What can you do for a stressed betta?
Check the tank parameters and make sure that they are optimum. Conduct regular water changes. Provide your Betta with good hiding spots. Condition your tank water.
Why is betta fish turning white and antibiotics won’t help?
Medication is not always the solution for betta fish turning white. Other modes of treatment like feeding them color-enhancing food and conducting regular water change must also be adopted.
Final Thoughts
There are several reasons behind your betta fish turning white. Identifying the correct one is very important as the mode of treatment depends on it. Thus, do not panic if you see your betta fish turning white. Just look for infections and treat them accordingly.
