Woman Adopts Half-Dead Fish And Completely Transforms Him

He nearly died at the pet store — but he's so handsome now!

There are few things as heartwarming as a great before-and-after adoption story. And dogs and cats aren't the only animals that can benefit from a bit of love, as the dramatic transformation of this little fish shows.

Reddit user Astilaroth found the near-dead betta fish at a pet store, lying listless at the bottom of a tank. She said she offered to take the fish for free because she didn't want to "reward" the pet store for keeping the fish in such bad conditions.

Reddit/Astilaroth
Reddit/Astilaroth

"The poor beasty is in horrible shape," Astilaroth wrote. "It was kept in a large community tank without any cover, with bright lights and many other species. Not cool for a territorial fish which has vulnerable fins that easily get nipped by curious species."

Reddit/Astilaroth
Reddit/Astilaroth

The little fish was also suffering from fin rot and was much paler than a betta should be. Astilaroth placed him in a quarantine tank with a salt solution to help him heal.

Reddit/Astilaroth
Reddit/Astilaroth

However, the betta wasn't improving. His fins began to fall off, and he didn't eat for a week and a half after she brought him home.

Reddit/Astilaroth
Reddit/Astilaroth

"At this point I put him on an ultimatum and started looking into humane options to end it," Astilaroth wrote. "Not much fish left."

Reddit/Astilaroth
Reddit/Astilaroth

Then, almost two weeks in, something changed. The little betta began to perk up and started eating again. He was moved to a bigger tank with rocks and hiding places.

Reddit/Astilaroth
Reddit/Astilaroth

Almost immediately, his fins began to regrow. One month after his rescue, the betta had regained some of his characteristic bright color and was sporting some short fins.

Reddit/Astilaroth
Reddit/Astilaroth

Over the next few weeks, his fins grew longer and he turned a bright cobalt instead of the pale sickly grey he was before.

Reddit/Astilaroth
Reddit/Astilaroth

Now, sporting long fins and a bright, variegated blue color, this lucky betta is unrecognizable as the half-dead fish the pet store gave up on.

Reddit/Astilaroth
Reddit/Astilaroth

He might be tiny, but this fish's lovely little story is a reminder that all animals deserve a chance at life - and can reward you if you give them the care they need.

Reddit/Astilaroth
Reddit/Astilaroth