If you’ve noticed your betta changing colors, you may wonder why and if you should be concerned.
I have had several different kinds of fish, including many bettas, so I have the experience of being involved with these beautiful species for a long time.
Thankfully, a betta fish might change colors throughout its lifetime for several harmless reasons. However, it is beneficial to know potential ailments associated with color changes, not just for their health – but also for your peace of mind.
Below, I’ll talk about several reasons betta fish change color and provide some helpful solutions so you’ll know how to handle betta fish according to different situations.
Read on and you will learn:
What If My Betta Turns Black or White or Just Loses Color?
Betta fish can go through many changes in their lifetime, including color. When your betta turns black, you usually don’t have to worry too much (unless they show other signs of illness). But, if your fish turns white or begins paling, your betta could be sick.
Below are a few reasons why your betta may change their color.
Marble Betta
Color changing is a unique thing that makes the marble betta species special! Marble bettas are fish that will start with colored splotches (either in black or white) on a body in the opposite color.
So black spots on white scales, or white spots on black.
Usually, marble betta has those pretty dots for the duration of their lifetime. However, if they are the offspring from non-exclusive marble betta fish, such as a pairing of marble fish and solid color betta, color changing can occur.
The phenomenon is called jumping genes and happens when a genetic trait that has been dormant (such as color changing) moves onto another chromosome. That can interfere with the current genetic makeup, which results in color changes.
The gene that produces black scales might be blocked, resulting in white spots since melanin production has stopped. Remember that the jumping genes are temporary, and the fish will regain its typical hue later. Jumping genes can happen a few times throughout its life.
You do not need to worry if a marble betta experiences jumping genes. It’s harmless and does not put your fish at risk.
Stress
Believe it or not, our fish friends suffer from stress just as you or I can! Various things can cause betta fish stress, so being vigilant and paying attention to all potential factors can help you figure out the core problem.
The first step is to distinguish the symptoms, as stress can manifest itself on your betta in many ways you might not realize. When in doubt, refer to visual and behavioral cues to help you if you think something is wrong.
Stress Stripes
The first visual cue of stress is stress stripes. Stress stripes are usually present on female betta fish more frequently than on male betta fish. Stress stripes also run horizontally on the body.
You can still determine if male bettas are stressed based on their behavior. Watch for weird behavior if you do not notice visual or physical indicators.
A lethargic, pale betta refusing to eat is a sign of illness and a sign that the state of the tank is unhealthy for your betta fish.
It’s good to remember that sometimes betta fish have breeding stripes, which run vertically, to help tell the difference from those caused by stress. However, if your fish exhibits other signs of stress, don’t hesitate to check out your tank.
Why Do Our Fish Friends Stress?
Betta fish can get stressed because of a few key reasons. First, never have more than one betta in a tank if you don’t want constant fighting and stress.
Other possibilities are water problems, chemicals, and food aversion. Read below to see what you need to check to get your friend feeling better.
Water Condition
While you might be worried about a decent-sized tank (at least 5 gallons), many things go along with the state of the water.
Since the water is their sole habitat, any water-related problem will weigh heavily on his health, such as ammonia and nitrite levels.
1. Temperature
Pay attention to factors like water temperature since betta fish need water between 76 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit. You can obtain the proper water temperature by installing a water heater inside your tank if it’s too chilly.
You can also adjust the temperature naturally by leaving it out the night before changing the water. This method gives the water time to get to room temperature, which is what the betta needs. Bettas like their water lukewarm. Putting them into the water at a considerably different temperature can cause significant harm or death, known as temperature shock.
2. pH Value
It’s also paramount to keep the pH between 6.5 and 8 and filter the tank effectively. While it doesn’t have to be perfect all the time, it should only fluctuate between the safe levels for betta fish.
I recommend using water conditioners that can help boost the betta fish immunity levels. You can find these conditioners at your local pet supply store.
3. Ammonia & Nitrite Level
No, we aren’t talking about cleaning products – ammonia and nitrite both occur naturally in fish tanks due to excrement, urine, and overfeeding.
You can purchase test kits to evaluate ammonia and nitrite levels in your tank. Ideally, your ammonia and nitrite levels should stay below 0.5 ppm (parts per million).
Changing the Water
One thing betta fish need is fresh, clean water. Changing the water should be something that happens regularly, and the frequency will depend on the size of your tank. It’s necessary to handle the process with care, as any jarring changes can harm your betta.
Note that changing the water too often will stress your betta out, as it cannot become acclimated to the environment. Neglecting to change the water leads to a dirty tank – a potential health risk for your betta fish.
New Environment
Just as humans feel in unfamiliar environments, your betta fish might feel stressed if it’s in a new home. Whether you just got it, have put it in a new tank, or upgraded its space with disorienting decorations, it will take time for the betta to adjust.
Keeping the water healthy for bettas and giving them darkness to rest is the best way to support them as they become acclimated to their new abode.
Injury
There is also the possibility that your betta has an injury. Injuries can usually heal themselves, but adding water conditioner when changing the water can help with faster recovery.
Of course, if you notice bleeding or significant damage, contact your vet. Minor accidents should resolve naturally.
Illness
A lack of color can also result from illness. Fungal and bacterial infections can result in paler hues on your betta. Common afflictions are fin rot, white spot, and Columnaris. Treatment should be pursued so conditions don’t worsen.
Age & Color Changes
Color changing in betta fish can also be a sign of age. Betta fish entering puberty and older fish will fluctuate in color.
Through puberty, the colors will darken, but as the fish get older, the colors will lighten. It’s similar to how human hair turns white or gray as we age – our hair loses pigment, just as the betta gradually loses color in its scales.
If your betta is young and losing color, you may want to contact your vet to see if it’s normal for your specific species.
How Can I Make My Betta Vivid or Brighter?
The first step to helping your fish is checking that their environment is as comfortable as possible. Paying attention and ensuring the habitat is friendly can eliminate stress and the color change from stress.
Tank Condition and Temperature
The tank condition depends on a lot more than some neon-colored gravel. It includes looking at the pH levels, hygiene, water temperature, and overall tank conditions, as mentioned earlier.
Bettas also require adequate space. A single betta fish needs at least a 5-gallon tank. They need enough room to swim around, and being confined can be immensely detrimental.
Diet
A rule of thumb is that betta fish need a protein-rich diet and are primarily carnivores. An appropriate diet will honor that, keeping your fish happy and healthy. Replicating their natural diet in the wild is crucial, so feed them high-quality food, like daphnia.
Variety is also a great thing to remember when feeding your bettas. Encouraging them to eat new food from time to time can be a healthy way to introduce variety, but it’s best to maintain familiar food to keep them stress-free.
Try feeding your betta the following:
- Betta flakes
- Live foods like mosquito larvae and bloodworms
- Freeze-dried foods
- Pellets
Bettas are notorious for being picky eaters. Change their diet every once in a while to keep them intrigued.
You can learn more if your betta fish is not eating.
Final Thoughts
While a color-changing betta fish can be a sight of beauty, it can also be a sign of stress, illness, and other issues. Consistency in cleaning your tank, refreshing water, and slowly introducing new food can decrease stress and keep your betta healthy.
Proper treatment and diagnosis for illnesses will help speedy recoveries. Keeping an eye on your pet beyond its lovely colors will help your fish friend feel better sooner.
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