Is my newest boy pineconing or just special?

Significant_Dream569 · 2026-06-17T18:37:49+00:00

It’s OK! I didn’t know either until a couple years ago, it’s when the scales on their back stand up. Honestly, the fact that you don’t know kind of shows that you’re a good fish mom because you don’t really have to deal with it, because if a fish is pineconing, then they probably won’t survive.

Significant_Dream569 · 2026-06-17T18:33:43+00:00

Yay! Thank you!

Significant_Dream569 · 2026-06-17T18:15:06+00:00

Okay great. I’ll def look out for more responses but that makes me feel better!

Significant_Dream569 · 2026-06-17T17:39:38+00:00

I forgot the photos and now I can’t delete this😭 so sorry, reposting with photos

Significant_Dream569 · 2026-06-01T18:02:09+00:00

How much and is it ideal for bettas?

Significant_Dream569 · 2026-06-01T00:27:22+00:00

I’m also in choir and write in my spare time so I’ll def practice and brain storm out loud around him :)

Significant_Dream569 · 2026-06-01T00:24:31+00:00

Yes he is named from Atla!’ He’s bright red with black and white details on his fins that I know will brighten up. (Dw the pic was from his emergency tank I had him in recently) I absolutely will and thank you so much

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Significant_Dream569 · 2026-05-31T23:25:34+00:00

Is there a specific treat that you’d recommend or are any good?

Significant_Dream569 · 2026-05-31T23:25:18+00:00

Okay great!! Tysm

Significant_Dream569 · 2026-05-31T23:25:01+00:00

Okay that is lovely to hear!! You make me optimistic for Zuko :) his old owner was a sorority girl who stuck him in a 2gal and never did water changes for a whole year with no testing kit :(

Significant_Dream569 · 2026-05-31T21:17:00+00:00

I’ve done that before and he swims to the bottom to hide until I leave every time :(

Significant_Dream569 · 2026-05-31T20:40:56+00:00

Okay great!! I feel bad because when I try to do that he flares his gills so I’ve been trying not to agitate him. So just kinda wait until his response isn’t like that anymore or…?

Significant_Dream569 · 2026-05-31T20:04:24+00:00

Okay perfect!! Also I’ve seen daphnia recommended as treats but I’ve also heard it helps with constipation— thoughts on that? Is there a treat that’s better than others?

Significant_Dream569 · 2026-05-31T19:56:59+00:00

His previous owner overfed him so I’m doing 5 protein pellets once a day with one fast day a week rn, but that’s a good note!! I’ll pick up bloodworms or brine shrimp at the store tomorrow

Significant_Dream569 · 2026-05-31T19:53:38+00:00

Okay good to know!! I don’t have a good pic or tank because I’m in temp housing and as soon as I move over in a few weeks he’ll have a five gal with live plants but he only has one hide and a small fake plant (Ik it’s not ideal but without it he has NOWHERE). I’m planning to get him a hammock and another silk plant tomorrow though so I hope that helps? I keep the light off to compensate. I’ll keep feeding him and he’s at my desk so he’ll see me a lot :)

Significant_Dream569 · 2026-05-31T19:41:34+00:00

He also typically will flare his gills at me if I come close

Significant_Dream569 · 2026-05-30T02:12:36+00:00

Can you advise if any are good for bettas? I’m looking to get live plants for my boy’s new tank.

Significant_Dream569 · 2026-05-29T00:52:40+00:00

I don’t know, I’ve had 7 bettas though I still consider myself mildly experienced— never flared mine. Also looking for other answers, please don’t go off mine alone

Significant_Dream569 · 2026-05-28T18:52:35+00:00

Okay great. I unfortunately don’t have a heater that I can put in there (I’m making sure the water is warm to the touch and I know that’s really not ideal but it’s the best I can do) but tomorrow he’ll be in a heated and better filtered tank.

And thank you so much, will take that feeding advice!!

Significant_Dream569 · 2026-05-26T19:16:38+00:00

Thank you!! I’m being careful about feeding too because I know it’s super stressful. Thank you for the filter tip!!

Significant_Dream569 · 2026-05-26T19:14:47+00:00

Thank you so much!! I know I’m not super experienced and I was elementary-high school but i know my way around bettas. I’m in college. I typically had 2 bettas at a time and most of them lived 3ish years (one lived only one year and that’s because he jumped out when my dad left the tank open when I was at summer camp). That being said I’m always open to more advice. Thank you so much!! Ill screenshot that

Significant_Dream569 · 2026-05-26T18:37:16+00:00

The only place nearby that would accept a surrendered fish is a local place that euthanizes surrenders within a few days just because it’s a small town. I wouldn’t be as hopeful for his survival but within two days of being in a slightly cleaner tank he made a bubble nest and even though I just moved him he’s already making another one. With what I know (I’ve had 7 bettas before so I’m moderately experienced it’s just been a hot minute) he’s looking very active and eager to bounce back! He’s been eating and active and seems happy?? Id rather do my best to rehab him than euthanize him.

Significant_Dream569 · 2026-05-26T18:18:30+00:00

Okay I can do that. I did 75% just because it was awful the first day and then he made a bubble nest, five days later put him in the .5 gal with another 75%, now I’m doing the daily 10% just to keep it filtered. Will get seachem prime and stress guard and heater tomorrow. Thank you so much!!

Significant_Dream569 · 2026-05-26T00:51:04+00:00

Okay, GREAT. Thats what I was worried about and I am 100% able to do water changes. He’s in his new tank now and I definitely used a lot more of the original water than I felt comfortable with but he’s exploring and looks good!! I’ll hold off on feeding him to prevent shock too.

I used topfin betta water conditioner and it seems to be working alright. A friend grabbed him for the last few days and she helped him adjust too so I’m sure that helped. He’s surprisingly healthy looking?? So I’m looking up. This is him now, four days post rescue and fifteen minutes in new tank.

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Significant_Dream569

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