Betta pineconing is some fancy terminology but what does it mean? We will attempt to clarify here exactly what is meant by the term betta pineconing and how it affects our fish as well as how to remedy the issue.
What Is Pineconing? How Does This Effect Betta Fish
The term betta pineconing stems from how pinecones look when the pines are open they look exactly how your betta fish looks when their scales are open indicating Dropsy. Betta fish tend to flare up when doing so the scales are protruding such as a pinecone.
Betta Fish Scales are always open
Flaring as it’s called is ok once and a while as we know our betta are well-aggressive, to say the least. The problem comes when the scales stay open. This is usually an early sign of swelling fluid building up inside the fish’s tissues. In other words, the dreaded DROPSY if there are no other symptoms at least we’ve caught it early.
We just need to check if the betta is female as it’s possible but unusual for her to bloat and look as though pineconing when gravid and full of eggs.
Other Possible Reasons For Betta Pineconing
Not to get off topic but there are a few possible other reasons to explore before determining dropsy in our fish. First, as I said above if the fish is female there may be a chance she is carrying eggs. Those eggs may be protruding into organs and pushing them squeezing space.
Internal Infections Kidney Problems
Internal infections parasites can cause this bloating effect as we know DROPSY is a symptom, not the actual disease. If left or unseen the kidneys can be affected.
This thankfully is unlikely in the case of pineconing as this is a very early sign of dropsy which in turn is a treatable symptom of the issues.
Other Symptoms With Pineconing indicating Dropsy
There are some tell-tale signs that you would have seen. Such as bulging eyes normally called POPEYE loss of color tiredness hiding continuously and of course not eating.
The biggest thing you would have noticed if left undetected is loss of buoyancy and problems swimming which is known as swim bladder disease.
Noticing Betta Pineconing
Now we know what can happen if pineconing is left too long and your betta is looking bloated and its scales look like a pinecone.
How Betta Pineconing Happens
So what happens when a fish’s belly swells and starts to look like a pinecone? Well, it’s pretty simple water flows through the body but excess water collects within the body cavity and the coelom. This in turn forces more water to push through and collect between the skin and scales in and around the organs.
What Causes Pineconing In Fish
The root cause is a bacterial parasite. Although there are some knock-on effects along the way let’s explore. Bacteria are always present in your water but if the fish get too stressed a particular parasite in the bacteria called Aeromonas can attack.
So having overly dirty water or overfeeding your fish can produce these bacterial parasites. Also allowing fish to be stressed as this will lower their immune systems.
Prevention Methods For Pineconing
As with most problems, the solution starts with er CLEAN WATER. Keeping bacterial blooms under control doing regular water changes and continuing to test the water parameters.
Temperature Control Helps Prevent Pineconing
If the water temperature starts getting below the required needs this will affect the immune system of our fish. The lower temp will also have the knock-on effect of lowering the oxygen in the water.
Overfeeding & Overcrowdng Increases Chance Of Pineconing
Ah, the big two Os both overfeeding and overcrowding can affect the fish in different ways but with the same results possible pineconing or other symptoms of dropsy. Fish poop a fair bit as we know this is waste and needs to be filtered.
Too Much Waste Increases Pineconing
If the fish eat too much they are going to produce more and more waste. Also, there’s a chance of bloating from constipation from overfeeding. As for overcrowding, this will also produce too much waste and a good chance of stress which will harm your fish’s immune system.
Let’s be honest it can be a vicious circle keeping fish. We now have a good grasp on what pineconing is and the reasons behind it and what can cause the issue but now we need to know how to prevent and of course treat the problem.
How To Treat Pineconing
Luckily If betta pineconing is the only symptom it’s not contagious. But as the awesome hobbyist we know you are we should quarantine any fish displaying pineconing.
Cycled Hospital Tank
Simply source a hospital tank and recreate the correct water conditions temperature and parameters. This can be done by taking some filter material and using some of the main tank’s water along with some tap-safe conditioned water we now have a cycled hospital tank.
Place Our Buddy In The Hospital Tank
Now we can safely place our little buddy in the quarantine tank. Add some Epsom salts (salt safe for fish and aquatics) The salts will absorb some of the swelling of all the water that’s trapped in between the fish’s tissue.
Add Epsom Salt To Help With Pineconing
Add one (1) tablespoon per gallon of water which equates to one (1) tablespoon every five (5) liters. Do a (25) % water change daily for up to two (2) weeks. Remember to replace the lost salt every time you do a water change.
Feed Only The Best Food
The salt and nice clean water act as a pain relief (apparently) Now it’s time for food. Only the very best high-protein fresh food for betta fish. Lots of bloodworms and shrimp. This will improve any immune problems and help them get their strength back.
Antibiotics For Pineconing
A good broad-spectrum antibiotic designed and formulated for gram-negative bacteria something like Mardel Maracyn® 2. is highly recommended. Always read the instructions when dosing medication.
Keep any infected fish separated in isolation in a hospital tank for three (3) weeks even after the symptoms have subsided. Remember to do water changes daily for the first few days and then weekly for the other three (3) weeks.
Betta Pineconing Final Thoughts
Betta Pineconing is a fancy term. We now know it’s just because fish tend to look like a pinecone when bloated and their scales are open. We also know when this happens the fish are full of excess water which is now filling up the fish’s tissue.
Pineconing A Fancy Name For Dropsy
The fancy-named pineconing just so happens to be dropsy disease. Although this is a misconception as dropsy is symptomatic and not an actual disease. If there are no other underlying issues and you have only observed pineconing we now know it’s fully treatable.
Awesome as always I hope you enjoyed the read and please feel free to stay and read some more thanks again.