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Fin rot is a symptom of disease in fish; it is not hard to treat, and the fish usually will survive. Most common in the fancy varieties of goldfish and Bettas, fin rot can occur as a result of an injury, as a secondary infection once the fish has been weakened by another disease, or in some cases, as a primary infection (bacterial (Pseudomonas fluorescens) ).

Fin rot can be the result of a bacterial infection (which causes a more ragged rotting), or as a fungal infection (which rots the tail more evenly and is more likely to produce a white 'edge'). Sometimes, both types of infection are seen together. Infection is commonly brought on by bad water conditions, injury, poor diet, or outwintering fancy goldfish (who should live in warmer temperatures).

Fin rot starts at the edge of the fins, and destroys more and more tissue until it reaches the fin base. If it does reach the fin base, the fish will never be able to regenerate the lost tissue. At this point, the disease may attack the fish's body directly.

Fungus: For fish large enough to handle, catch the fish, and dab malachite green directly on the fungus with a cotton swab. This is extremely effective. Repeat treatments may be necessary.

Bacterial: Antibiotic treatment in a quarantine tank. This is stressful for the fish, and doesn't always work, so be sure of what you are doing before you attempt it. If the fish is still eating, the best bet is an antibiotic food.

With very few exceptions, virtually all cases are precipitated by stress, fear or poor environmental conditions.

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