Betta fish are becoming a very popular fish among aquarium enthusiast around the world, but they are still considered a fragile species of fish.
They are very sensitive to fluctuations in the water, be it temperature changes or chemical levels (nitrates and ammonia for example).
They are also susceptible to different types of parasites.
Here are the Top 5 causes of Betta fish diseases and some tips to help you treat ill fish.

1. There is one very important symptom that almost always signals an illness in betta fish: lethargy.
   Betta fish that act extremely lethargic or lazy may not be getting enough oxygen into their system for one reason or another and may need you to take action in order to improve their health.
   
2. The second most important sign that your Betta may be sick is its coloring.
   If your fish starts to dull in color or lose some of its vibrancy it usually indicates that something is wrong.
   If you notice a color change in your fish, it may or may not be a disease, sometimes it can be that your fish is stressed.
   Stress can play a huge role in the health of your fish, so you'll want to eliminate any stress factors that could be influencing your fish.
   These can include direct bright light on your fish, too small of a living environment, and any constant loud noises that may be too close to its tank.
   Now once you think that most stress factors can be ruled out; then you can probably assume that your fish is ill.
   
3. A common sign of Betta diseases is red-brown lines around your Betta's gills.
   This generally caused by a chemical imbalance in the water.
   An increasing level of nitrates in the water can cause the skin around the fills to be deprived of breathable oxygen and pigment.
   If you see signs of this, you must take action quickly to balance out the water or risk losing your betta fish.
   
4. Betta fish diseases have already or are about to spread around the tank if you find your betta fish is gasping for air at the aquarium's surface.
   This means there is not enough oxygen in your tank.
   Normally this can be attributed to a build-up of nitrates and/or ammonia.
   If the water is not properly cycled or not cleaned often enough these toxins can rise to dangerous levels.
   
5. One very common Betta disease is parasites.
   White spots on your Betta's body or fins are an indicator of parasitic infestation.
   Parasites can quickly affect your fish's immune system and may interfere with its ability to breathe oxygen.
   There are several aquarium treatments that are designed to fight parasites.
   

The most deadly mistake can be just a lack of awareness of your fish's health.
Make sure you study your Betta daily to ensure that everything is normal.
A lot of times owners who do not keep a good eye on their pets health and will only discover something is wrong when it's too late to change anything.
The internet is an excellent tool to help find solutions for sick fish.
It can also prepare you for every aspect of your Betta fish's life, including the fight against Betta diseases.