Betta fish are having long colorful flowing fins, and almost every fish lover wait and stare for an hour in a fish store to decide which colorful betta fish should be in their fish tank. And after a week, lot of aquarists are concerned “Why Is My Betta Fish Turning White?”.
Betta fish can easily live up to 3-5 years, and certain parameters of care are enough for their healthy lifespan. But what about fading color? Will my fish die? Why is it happening? Should you be worried? What to do when they lose color?
Do not panic, in some cases, it is normal If they lose color. We should have to make some changes in our caring routine. Let us talk about all the possibilities behind fading color and their solutions through our content.
Why is my Betta fish turning white?
We love to watch our colorful bettas, but later we notice the color of the fish is changing. Even the darker colored fish like dark blue, red, or green slowly become pale or white.
In some cases it is normal but the fading color represents the diseases or other problems that fish is suffering. It’s depending on several factors, so we have enlisted below the following reasons:
1. Stress
Stress is the common factor among all the reasons. We know that Betta fish is very active among all the fish pets. They love when the fish tanks are decorated with substrates, plants, and especially toys. But they get stressed if there will be irregular water changes or the absence of decorations.
There are some more reasons for their stress:
- Finding the perfect companion
- Not having fixed feeding quantity
- Adding of carnivorous diet
Betta fish become white very easily if they get stressed. We have to keep them stress-free. So adding nutritious and high protein food, some toys, and cleaning water will be a very good idea to keep your fish happy.
2. Age
Yes, age is the also reason behind their fading colors. So, if your colorful pet is about to complete their lifespan then they start to lose color and look pale or show white skin on their body.
As we mention their lifespan is up to 5 years, but some betta fish starts fading color at the age of 2-3 years. So, if aging is the reason behind their white color then relax, it’s natural and we had to do some extra care in their last period of time.
3. Illness
Not only white but when they get ill by some kind of disease then they change to some other color also depending on the specific disease. Yes, it’s completely normal to fade color while they are ill, but we should have to consult with the veterinaries and also have to be familiar with the symptoms of diseases.
If the fins and scales are turning white then it is serious to immediately find out the reason, because it can greatly affect their health. There is also some disease that does not show any symptoms and that leads to sudden death.
There is one cure for this disease that impacts that we should not overcrowd our fish tank just because it looks beautiful. We should quarantine the damaged fish and maintain a healthy and free environment for them.
4. Injuries
When your betta fish get injured during ill or for some other reason, they started healing themselves. Their fins started regrowth and during that period their color changes to a white or even darker color. Do not get stressed because it is a completely natural healing process.
There is a case when your fish get white spots on their fins and also on their body. So, it could be either any living parasite or species of Oodinium or ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis).
These are very common and these parasites are actually hidden in the substrates of our aquarium. Columnaris is also a different bacterial infection that can damage fins and bring a white spot appearance.
Solutions of spots are also easily available in the near store at very affordable prices, where you can get the ich medication and several antibacterial as well as antifungal treatments for your fish. Although in a very short time you will notice that scales and fins get restored as before and those white spots are no more on their body.
Why is my Betta turning black?
You will find that your betta fish turns out in black color, then there is nothing serious to be concerned about. This is very common in marble betta fish, it is obvious that they will change color multiple times in their lifespan.
In the case of normal betta fish, they also change color. So it is not a big deal, even when the betta fish get fully matured then they glow as darker and could look black. It also fades later when they get old.
In some specific cases some particular disease, illness, or stress can also be the reason behind turning out black.
How to make Betta fish more colorful?
There are certain parameters we should have to take care of to stop the betta fish color from turning white. As the matter of fact, loss of color due to natural change will not be treated, such as their aging or darker color when they mature.
So, let’s understand “what are the external factors that can bring our betta fish more colorful?” We all know a healthy routine of habits should keep all the disease away from our tanks. Some of the finest ways to be considered are as follows:
1. Maintain the fish tank water
Everyone knows how the purity of water is essential for all fish. When fish intake food, they create ammonium and also decomposed plant parts and wastes of food toxic substances.
Both ammonium and nitrates in fish tank water are dangerous to their health which creates an uncomfortable environment and leads to no feeding which causes stress.
We can add some good bacteria to our tank, it will bring the toxic level down and maintain the ecosystem. Also, add filters that keep the water clean over time and make a comfortable and free environment for the betta fish. (For any kind of recommended fish products, you can visit our site).
2. Change only 30% of water at once
It is prescribed that if the level of toxicity increases in the fish tank, you can remove only 30% of the water at one time. Removing complete water from the tank can also create more stress for fish or even kill them. If we change the water suddenly, the osmotic layer between the fish’s body and the water will disturb and create a panic situation for the fish.
3. Choose the right size and number of fish
Betta fish needs at least 3-5 gallons of water each. If you want to increase the quantity of fish then you should have to go for a big tank that gives them an ideal place for rest and also does not affect the level of oxygen in the tank.
4. Proper diet
We should give what is more nutritious and high in protein. Betta fish are carnivores, so we have to add some living food, frozen or dried food, also flakes and pellets. Yes, sometimes it may be costlier than the normal fish food but it will fulfill the demand in their body and keeps them healthier in long run.
Do not make overfeed them which may create constipation that may cause stress. Always have a fixed amount of food and at a fixed time.
How long does it take for Betta fish to regain color?
First, we have to find out the reason behind the loss of color. If it’s other than natural then it takes a couple of weeks or a month to regain its color.
If your betta fish is stressed, you should follow the above ways to remove the factors of stress for immediate regain. But if they are ill or diseased, you'll need to go for medication treatments by near store.
Conclusion
We hope, now you do not feel stressed about your fish and cleared all your queries through this article regarding “Why Is My Betta Fish Turning White?” and providing you with which is best for your colorful betta fish.
If you have any unanswered questions or want suggestions for the products for your aquarium then please leave your message in the comment section.
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