The betta fish is a popular pet that can live up to 3-4 years in captivity. The brilliant colors of the betta make them so attractive, but these same beautiful colors also attract some less desirable guests: bacteria and parasites. Betta Fish Tuberculosis (TB) is one such parasite that has been shown to cause significant morbidity in people who have compromised immune systems or are
immunocompromised. If you own a betta fish, this article will help you gain insight on how to prevent the spread of TB among your other pets, as well as how it may be treated when necessary.
What Causes Betta Tuberculosis?
There are a number of different things that can cause Betta fish tuberculosis or “bacteria in betta tanks”, and it’s important to understand what they are.
Poor Water Quality
One of the most common causes of tuberculosis betta fish for sale is poor water quality. Bacteria can build up in a tank if not enough filtration exists or too much waste is present.
Bacterial Infection
Another cause of bacterial infection, such as TB might be due to unsanitary living conditions that allow bacteria to grow and fester within your aquarium. This could include any number of things from live food sources (e.g., feeder goldfish) to introducing new non-aquatic pets into an aquatic environment, thereby potentially allowing pathogens like TB easy access to the inside of its host’s body. Parasites And Pathogens Another potential cause may exist via parasites and pathogens capable of infecting other fish within your aquatic environment. These can include things like Ich, Velvet Disease.
What Are The Symptoms Of Betta Fish Tuberculosis?
Several different symptoms tend to manifest in betta fish exposed to tuberculosis. Symptoms include:
Lethargy
The most common symptom for a betta fish exposed to TB is lethargy. The fish will appear sluggish and weak, lacking the energy needed to swim or engage in normal behavior.
Loss of Appetite
If you notice that your betta fish isn’t eating, take note. This can be a sign that there is something wrong with the water or environment in which it lives. Often this symptom will appear alongside lethargy and should not be ignored.
Mucus Collection
Another common symptom of TB exposure might include mucous collection around the exterior of its body. In addition, the fish may display clear to cloudy white colored exudate emitting from various points on their bodies, including gills, fins, eyes.
How Can I Prevent My Betta Fish From Getting Sick?
Fortunately, there are many different things you can do to prevent tuberculosis within your aquatic environment and community tank. Things like maintaining proper water conditions with regular cleaning or even adding aquarium salt into their diet will help keep your bettas healthy both internally as well externally when maintained consistently.
Additionally, by ensuring that all other invasive species within an aquatic environment have been properly removed before introducing new ones for potential hosts, you’ll also prevent the possibility of their bodies from becoming a host for parasitic or bacterial infections such as TB.
What Should I Do If My Betta Fish Is Diagnosed With Tuberculosis?
When it comes to diagnosing your betta with tuberculosis, many things can be done to combat this potentially fatal disease within an aquatic environment. One important thing that must always remain consistent throughout treatment is ensuring proper water conditions and filtration systems exist regularly. In some cases, antibiotics may be required to stop the spread of bacteria that causes TB among other potential hosts, including both plants and fish alike. However, if left untreated for too long, your betta will eventually lack the defense mechanisms needed to fight off the bacteria and parasites that cause these symptoms. (unionsquarepractice.com)
