[goonuk]

Hi all,

I have been keeping a Betta for 18 months and in the last 3 weeks the head has been turning pitch black, starting from the forehead. He is still very active, eating very well and colours are vibrant. I am still worried though as it it not a normal colour change as the patch is isolated and spreading towards the mouth area now.

Can anyone advise please?

 

[lauraleellbp]

Could you post a picture of him?

If he's a marble, color changes as they age are very normal and natural.

 

[mistergreen]

Could be just a color morph. I've seen males with black heads before.

 

[Betta Maniac]

Totally normal (and some betta change color a LOT; the one in my avatar is now ENTIRELY silver).

 

[Greentrashbin]

Very normal, especially with marble bettas

Example
3.5 months old
http://s1232.photobucket.com/albums/ff373/infinite937/?action=view&current=VID00000.mp4


Over 1 year old. (still has fin damage from that female)

Same betta, went from white/blue to red/black/blue.

Wish he still looked the same as when I got him : (

 

[ValMM]

Your Betta is probably fine.
What kind of Betta is it? Veiltails are known to change colors due to mixed breeding for being sold in petstores. Old Bettas tend to change colors, too. And, as lauralellbp said, marbles are known for changing colors. Several different times in their life.

 

[goonuk]

.. now he looks like batman! I think he is a crowntail .. a little overweight?

 

[ValMM]

He's a neat looking Betta. But yup, the black is normal.

 

[goonuk]

Thanks. I am relieved now. i thought it was a blood clot or something.