How did it end up like this?

Annnd as promised, here’s that write-up on betta genetics and what’s wrong with all those pretty genes. We’ve got pictures and everything. This is a full, comprehensive list of the various problems with domestic betta traits. If you’re in the market for a new angry pal, then there’s a list of “good” things to look for in a betta at the end.

Just a quick intro before we begin: I’ve been into fishkeeping for over a decade, I currently have 16 running tanks ranging from 5 to 440 gallons, I’ve got about 200 fish at the moment, and I’ve had a good 20 to 25 bettas of my own over the years. When I was younger, I even bred a pair of pet store veiltails together, and reared some of the fry into adulthood. So, this is information coming from someone has both seen these things firsthand and talked with many, many other betta keepers who have done the same.

This is my new betta, Embezzlement. He looks great, right? He really does! But he’s also quickly going blind as a result of his thickened scales growing over his eyes, his fins will end up dragging him down to the point of immobility as he ages, and he’s at high-risk for developing visible tumors all over his body. I’ll get into that under the cut!

Probably from when my sister and I kept fish as little girls(yikes)

So yea looks pretty dated but nothing odd right? And then u look at the back and-

PROTECT YOUR FISH FROM A G O N Y OR DEATH

Many of us aquarists like to keep our tanks looking nice and clean, but did you know many fish actually prefer plenty of leaf litter strewn around? Indian almond leaves are most commonly used as leaf litter and help keep fish stress levels low. 🍂

Find out how and when to use Indian almond leaves on Aquariadise here!

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This is an open invation for all pet stores to keep bettas in better conditions. Thanks.

One thing really threw me off though; 

Yes! This will be for epsom salt though, since aquarium salt is generally added straight to the aquarium at 1 tablespoon per 5 gallons.

Epsom salt is magnesium sulfate. It is NOT the same thing as aquarium salt, which is sodium chloride. Therefore it does NOT have the same effects! Aquarium salt is most effective when treating external parasites and sometimes open wounds or infections like fin rot or ulcers. However, it makes the water more dense which makes it harder for a fish to process through their body. If a fish is bloated (retaining fluid) they are already having trouble letting water pass through their body. Adding aquarium salt will make this worse. Epsom salt, on the other hand, draws fluid out of a bloated fish! It is also a laxative and helps them to defecate.

Step 1

Gather your tools. You’ll need

A 1 gallon container (this will be your soaking bin)

Epsom salt

Measuring spoons

A timer

Fish net

Fill the container with 1 gallon of clean treated (water conditioner) water. Measure out 1 tablespoon of epsom salt and add it to the soaking bin. Stir well, until all the salt has dissolved. Ensure the water is not cold.

Scoop the fish out of the existing tank and put them into the soaking bin. Set the timer for 15 minutes. I would stay with the fish the whole time, to make sure he/she doesn’t jump out and that they are breathing correctly. If at any time they stop breathing put them into their normal water IMMEDIATELY.

If the fish is severely pineconned at the end of the 15 minutes and the fish looks good you can let them sit an extra 5 minutes.