beta loosing pigment?

[Thalia]

My beta who I've had for about 5 months, is starting to loose pigment in the ribs area. I am wondering, is this caused by stress, over feeding, under feeding, something I havn't mentioned? And no, it's not ick.

Crystal

[Barracuda_41]

Re:beta loosing pigment?

???Well Thalia, betas sometimes lose color when its night time and the lights are off or sometimes when there stressed, most betas dont live very long, do you have a male or female?? Also there is special foods for them to help retain there natural beautiful color, what foods are you feeding?? Could be something to do with water quality...

[Thalia]

Re:beta loosing pigment?

he's a male, I feed him frozen blood worms. He might be stressed, I've caught my cats trying to get at the bowl a few times. I have to change the water every 5 days, because the few worms that he doesn't eat make it smell like death (seriously) and cloud up the water. I don't think it's the water quality, because I put aqua plus in to condition the water, and malachite green to help retain his colors and to help prevent diseases. How long are they supposed to live on average?

Crystal

[Barracuda_41]

Re:beta loosing pigment?

8)wow first off stop using the m. green as over time will kill your fish, also change diet to other foods like flakes and granuals that are just for betas you can find them just about any store, look for one thats for color.. as for the betas life they are normaly around 1 to 2 yrs max.. most dont even see few months.. If its a male once a week put a mirror next to his bowl and let him use his fighting abilities to where he will show his beautiful natural colors as this will help him think he has some compation around to perk him up.. Also do you have a live plant in there or the roots of a live plant.. They do better with vegitation in the bowl.. When feeding try to feed every other day... If you want you can use freez dried tubfex worms once a week as a treat, they come in little squares and just use a small portion attached to the side of the bowl as you can press it on there once its wet....

[Thalia]

Re:beta loosing pigment?

I have 3 bamboo stalks w. roots in there, that is how the cats pester him, by trying to swat them out, I think. I have some granuals, but they smell worse then the worms. I think tubfex is the brand of worms I feed him, not sure of the name tho, threw out the package, but they come in something like a mini icecube tray in flat squares. Thanx for the info about the m. green stuff, won't use it anymore.

Crystal

[Red]

Re:beta loosing pigment?

I know sombody with one that has lived for the five years I have know her...
Plus it was huge when I met her so it must have been full grown...
Are you sure they only live two years... do you think this one is like a super beta... hehe
Eric aka...red