We all know that betta fish has beautiful wide-spread fins. But you should also know that these fins are extremely delicate. Thus, it may shock you to see betta fins shredded overnight. There are several reasons which might cause such fin loss in your betta fish.
As mentioned earlier, the fins of a betta fish are extremely delicate and thus susceptible to injury. Therefore, if your tank has certain decorations which are particularly sharp, it can cause your betta fish’s fins to rip off. Additionally, the presence of other fishes (especially fin nippers) and self-tail biting are other reasons why betta fins might be shredded.
Causes Behind Betta Fins Shredded Overnight
Before figuring out what to do to prevent such shredding of betta fins overnight, you must first determine the cause of the fin loss. Being extremely delicate, the fins of a betta fish have a high chance of getting ripped or injured.
It is important to highlight the causes of betta fins being shredded overnight as the method of prevention depends on it. Thus, you can prevent such shredding of betta fins only after determining the true cause of the fin loss.
It would help if you tracked your betta fish’s movements in the tank to find out the reason behind the fin loss.
Here are some of the probable causes of such shredding of betta fins overnight.
1. Tank Decorations
The shredding of the betta fins could be caused by decorations in your tank that are very sharp or rough. The fins of a betta fish are wide and elongated. One of the issues with the fins and tail of a betta is how easily they grab on things.
Thus, if the decors in your tank are sharp enough, they may be pulling pieces out of the betta fins. If you have decors like rough, pointy stones in your tank or a spot where he may grab his fins, it may be the cause behind such fin shredding.
2. Rotting of Fin
Rotting of the betta fins is another most common cause of shredding of betta fins. It is a bacterial infection that affects the fins of your betta fish and then starts spreading to the whole body. Fins may appear sore and change color if your fish is suffering from fin rot.
The sooner you identify the symptoms of such rotting betta fins, the sooner you will be able to cure it. It is a serious illness that may have fatal consequences in the long run.
3. Presence of Other Fish
You might not like the idea of your betta fish being alone in the tank. To avoid this, you might add another fish with your betta in the tank. It may so happen that the other fish may occasionally attack your betta fish, thereby resulting in betta fin loss.
The presence of natural fin nippers fishes may also cause your betta fish to lose its fins. Betta fish has long and beautiful fins, and fin nippers are the last thing your betta fish needs. Thus, be aware and track the movements of the tank mates of the betta to ensure that they do not hurt your betta fish.
4. Tail Biting
A betta fish biting its own tail may seem odd to you, but it can happen from time to time. There are a host of reasons why your betta fish might bite its own tail. This may be due to rising stress levels in your betta fish, boredom, and the aggressive nature of the betta fish.
This is also another probable cause of betta fins being shredded overnight if you do not have another fish in the tank with your betta. Therefore, if your tank decorations are not causing such fin shredding and you do not have another fish in the tank with your betta fish, then tail biting can be the reason behind such fin loss.
Prevention of Betta Fins Shredded Overnight
After you have identified the cause behind the shredding of betta fins, you can determine the best way of treatment and prevention. If your betta fish is losing its fins for any reason except fin rot or other infections, there is nothing to worry about.
In case the cause behind fin loss is tail biting or tank decors, you have to do nothing. After some time, the betta fins will naturally heal back. But there are some ways in which you can speed up the process of healing.
1. Keep The Water Clean to Cure Betta Fins Shredded Overnight
Keep up the quality of the tank water to ensure that the healing is quick. If the water quality during the healing process is bad, then it may cause infection in the betta fins. Thus, keep the tank water clean at all times.
Regular water change of about 10% is good for your betta, and proper filtering of the tank water also speeds up the healing process. Water conditions play an important role in promoting the immunity of the betta fish.
2. Add Aquarium Salt
You can also try adding aquarium salt to your tank as it promotes the production of slime coat in your betta fish. The proper development of slime coat during the process of healing of betta fins is crucial in keeping away germs and parasites from the injured part.
Thus, adding aquarium salts can provide protection against various bacterias and parasites, which may can various kinds of infections.
3. Proper Feeding
You can also try feeding your betta fish foods rich in vitamins and nutrients. Foods like daphnia and shrimp may help restore immunity in your betta fish and provide them with enough energy to boost the healing process.
4. Medication to Cure Betta Fins Shredded Overnight
If the fin loss is due to certain infections like fin rot, the above-mentioned ways of treatment may not be enough. In such cases, the addition of medications is important and essential. There are various medications available over Amazon to treat such infections.
FAQs on Why Betta Fins Shredded Overnight
How long does it take to heal Betta Fins Shredded Overnight?
The time period for the healing process to complete may range from a few weeks to few months. It depends upon the severity of fin loss and its cause.
What are the signs that the betta fins are growing back?
If you see a clear membrane at the end of the fins of the betta fish, it is a sign that the betta fins are healing and they are growing back.
How to prevent Betta Fins Shredded Overnight?
Add only those decors in your tank that do not have sharp edges. Do not add fin nippers with your betta fish. Keep the water quality high and provide the betta fish with enough space to swim.
Final Thoughts
If you notice betta fins shredded overnight, there is little to worry about. It is more common than you think, and after identifying the cause behind the fin loss, preventing and treating it is quite easy.
