Hey Kaysea,

I can understand how you feel... we all can... we've all been there at one time or another with having fish (bettas in particular, imo).

Gill flukes can (also) be an issue... it apparently can be seen with a magnifying glass, however. Are those teenie white spots you noticed anywhere near the inflamed gill?

I'm still not sure the flashing was a reaction to Maracide.

If you feel that gill flukes explains most of the symptoms, which include scraping against objects, rapid gill movement, reddness on/around the gill plates (and as it advances, the gill plates start to erode), you can follow that treatment route. Does she also seem to have a mucousy coating around the area or all over her body (like a thickening slime coat)? PraziPro may be available at most pet/fish stores so it may not be very hard to find.

I'm not sure if you could treat with both meds at the same time (Maracide with PraziPro). I'm afraid I'm of no concrete help. Dr. Barb or Ash should be checking in shortly... I trust their advice, knowledge and insight. As well... if this IS gill flukes... they may be able to recommend something possibly more effective (as understandably, if the person works for the company... he'll recommend their product). I would think that gill flukes are introduced into the aquarium, however... but you mentioned no new additions. Any live plants recently added? Do you keep other fish?

I am concerned about waiting too long before starting medicinal treatment. It would be wise to have the both meds on hand.

Keeping good thoughts...

Michele