Generally, Betta fish have large and colorful fins that enhance their overall beauty when they spread out their fins while swimming. However, if your Betta is not happy, feeling well or experiencing some stress due to poor water parameters or parasites, they may clamp their fins tightly to their sides. Clamped fins are when your fish holds its fins close to their bodies. They sort of look like your fish’s fins have been rolled in oil and stuck together. Their fins may look worn, torn, or raggedy. Clamped fins aren’t really a disease in itself, but they should be taken seriously. You see, they can be a basic sign that your Betta fish is experiencing stress.
As stated previously, Bettas can clamp their fins together when they are stressed or when they are in dirty water, have hostile tankmates, are experiencing physical illnesses, or are being attacked by parasites. Therefore, if your Betta is experiencing clamped fins, you need to take action right away.
Check the size of the tank – Bettas need room to swim around. They need tanks that are three gallons or more. If your Betta fish is in a smaller tank or vase, it may not have enough space to swim around freely and feel unhappy. Bettas thrive when they have plenty of space to swim and adequate hiding spots (safe décor is a must), and they also need live or silk plants.
Check the temperature of the water – Since Bettas are tropical fish; they should be kept in warm water to match the tropical temperature. Therefore, you need an adjustable heater, and the water should be kept at a temperature that is 78 – 80 degrees Fahrenheit. A Betta will exhibit clamped fins if it is placed in cold water, which is unsuitable for this type of tropical fish.
Clean the water of the tank – If the tank is not cleaned regularly, your Betta will feel unhappy and stressed and will clamp their fins together. Therefore, if your water is dirty or your parameters are off balance, you should replace at least 50% of the tank water. Dirty water can develop toxic products, like ammonia and some nitrites, which can make the fish sick. Your tank should also have a low-flow filter that doesn’t disturb the water currents too much. Too high of a filter can make your Betta extremely stressed.
Replace the hostile inmate – If you’re keeping your Betta with a hostile tankmate or your Betta is the hostile tankmate, you should separate your Betta. Although some Bettas do fine in a community tank, others do not. They prefer to be alone. Either way, if you notice that your fish in the community tank has clamped fins, put them in a separate tank.
Use some aquarium salt – If your Betta is experiencing a fungal or bacterial infection that seems to be causing their fins to clamp together, you can add a bit of aquarium salt to their dechlorinated water. Keep in mind that you only need to add one teaspoon of aquarium salt per one gallon of water.
Use of API Stress Coat water conditioner – If your Betta’s fins are clamped due to poor water condition, do a 50% water change and then add API Stress Coat water conditioner to the aquarium tank. This product is useful for eliminating the dissolved chlorine of tap water added to the tank. Moreover, it neutralizes dissolved chloramines and some heavy metals that can make your Betta unhappy. It also provides your fish with aloe vera to sooth their delicate fins.
Use Seachem Paraguard in your Betta’s water – Paraguard is a medication that is added to the aquarium water to cure parasitic infections in a variety of fish, including Bettas. Since it does not contain toxic products, like formaldehyde and methanol, it is perfectly safe for your Betta. This product contains malachite green, aldehydes, and fish-protective polymers.
Clamped fins can be a stressful situation; however, they don’t have to cause you or your fish unnecessary stress or strain. Simply try the above-mentioned tips to see if you can get your fish to unclamp their fins. Once you do, you’ll be able to enjoy your lovely fish swimming around happily in their tank with their beautiful fins spread out.