Most Common Betta Fish Death Signs Infographic

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The infographic is a guide on recognizing signs that a Betta fish may be dying. It lists several symptoms to watch out for:

1. Lethargy: Betta fish are usually active, but when they are sick, they become less active, slow down, and may stay at the bottom of the tank. It’s noted that older Betta fish can also show similar lethargy.
2. Less Swimming: Healthy Bettas are not lazy and are typically quite active. If a Betta swims less and sleeps more than usual, it could be a sign of sickness.
3. Fading Colors: Betta fish often lose their vibrant colors when they are very sick, although color loss can also be due to aging, stress, illness, or just being a Marble Betta variety.
4. Loss of Appetite: A decrease in appetite is common in old age and when the fish is extremely sick. For sick fish, the change can happen within a week, whereas for age-related changes, it occurs gradually over weeks or months.
5. Laying Down: Bettas should swim at all levels of the tank rather than lying on the bottom. If this behavior is observed for two to three days, it’s a cause for concern.
6. Frequent Breathing: Rapid and heavy breathing can be a symptom of low oxygen concentration or serious conditions like disease, high ammonia levels, or chemical corruption in the tank water.
7. Clamped Fins: This condition, where the fish’s fins stay folded against the body, can indicate stress due to poor water quality, unsuitable environment, or other stressors.
8. Isolation: Sick Betta fish may isolate themselves from others, not responding to the world around them. This can be due to illness, loss of appetite, stress, and other reasons.