Is my betta sick or resting?

Sleeping Betta Fish

A betta with a good appetite, plenty of energy, and hasn't been seen gasping for air but is on the bottom of the tank is often just taking a nap. If you're not sure whether your betta is simply tired, observe the fish closely for a few days and watch for any signs of stress or illness.

How do Bettas act when sick?

The general signs of illness are lethargy, discoloration, loss of appetite, labored breathing, and damaged and/or clamped fins. Unfortunately, many of the most common betta fish diseases share these symptoms and correct diagnosis can be difficult if you've never had experience with them before.

Is my betta fish resting?

You can tell if your betta is sleeping by looking at his mouth and gills. As long as they're still moving in rhythm then there's nothing to worry about. Bettas can sleep in so many different positions including on their sides, at the bottom of the tank and on leaves.

Why is my betta fish laying down?

Believe it or not, Betta fish sleep just like any other animal! They actually follow the same general sleep rhythm as humans. They like to rest at night and stay active during the day. If they don't get enough sleep at night, you might find them snoozing at the bottom of the tank!

What to do when a fish is laying on the bottom of the tank?

If one or more fish suddenly start laying ONLY at the bottom of the tank, you'll need to monitor them closely. Signs like a lack of appetite, labored breathing, clumsy swimming, or loss of buoyancy control are red flags. In this case, it's best to quarantine the fish immediately and address the root problem.

Common Signs Your Betta is Sick

Why is my fish sitting at the bottom of the tank?

Sitting on the Bottom: If your fish is spending lots of time at the bottom of the tank, it may be normal behavior. Many fish, like catfish, are bottom-feeders and spend their time there. Fish also often sleep at the bottom of their tank.

Is my betta fish sleeping or dead?

To put it simply, dead fish don't breathe. So, look closely at your betta's mouth and gills. Even during sleep, you should notice your betta draw water in through its mouth and out through the gills. Speaking of which, during sleep, the mouth and gill movement of your betta will be much slower than when it is awake.

What do betta fish look like when they sleep?

"When sleeping, they become still, with their eyes open because of their absence of eyelids. Betta fish may lose their color while sleeping (it's their natural form of self-defense), and they can sleep in different positions: curled up like a cat, on one side, or even vertically, with the head down.

Why is my betta staying at the top of the tank?

A fish may linger near the surface because he's trying to breathe more easily. Remember, fish breathe dissolved oxygen—not oxygen that is already combined in the H2O molecule. Naturally, these dissolved oxygen levels tend to be higher near the surface, where interaction between air and water takes place.

What does a betta fish look like when it's dying?

Other signs that offer a clue to knowing when a betta fish is about to die include discoloration along the fish's body, such as white or brown spots. Strange swimming movements or a shortening / eating away of the fins can also point to severe illnesses.

How can I tell if my betta is stressed?

If your fish is swimming frantically without going anywhere, crashing at the bottom of his tank, rubbing himself on gravel or rocks, or locking his fins at his side, he may be experiencing significant stress.

Why does my fish stay in one corner?

Just like sickness, they stay in the corner because they feel vulnerable. Unfortunately, there's not much you can do for this one except wait for it to pass. Lastly, they may be doing it because there aren't enough hiding places in the tank—all fish like lots of hiding places where they can feel safe and rest.

Do betta fish get lonely?

Do They Get Lonely? Betta fish are naturally territorial and should not be housed with any other betta fish because they will fight and injure each other, often resulting in death. They are unlikely to get lonely in their tank; however, if they are in a small tank, they may get bored.

Why is my fish laying on his side?

Swim bladder disease is a common fish illness and it's often the reason why your betta fish is laying on its side. Swim bladder disease refers to a condition that means the swim bladder can no longer function correctly.

Do betta fish pretend to be dead?

Yes, betta fish play dead. In fact, betta fish tend to sleep in positions that make them appear to be dead. Don't be afraid when you see your betta fish floating upside down, it's probably just sleeping. You can try waking it up with some food or toys to ensure it's alive and healthy.

Why is my fish not swimming but still alive?

The impaired buoyancy in fish is caused by a malfunction of their swim bladder. When affected by Swim Bladder Disorder fish will often lose the ability to properly swim. They will float uncontrollably to the top of the aquarium, turned upside down, while still being alive.

How do I destress my fish?

Why is my fish hiding and not moving?

Environmental Changes – Anything that alters a fish's environment can spook the fish into hiding. This can include sudden water changes, temperature shifts, pH changes or chemical imbalances. As the tank stabilizes at the optimum environmental conditions, the fish should lose their shyness and stop hiding as much.

Can a stressed fish recover?

Aquarium fish can become stressed by any number of things ranging from poor water quality to disease to changes in tank parameters. In some cases, mild stress is something your aquarium fish can recover from but, in many cases, it is an early sign of something that can become a major problem.

How do I add oxygen to my fish tank?

Do fish stay still when they sleep?

How Do Fish Sleep? In most cases, when fish sleep, they remain still, their breathing slows down and some can even be picked up in your hand.

What are some signs of ammonia stress in a tank?

What do fish look like with ammonia poisoning?

Red or Purple Gills and Bloody Patches

The fish's gills will take on a red or lilac color, making them look like it's bleeding. As the problem progresses, the fish's tissues will begin to deteriorate, evidenced by red streaks or bloody patches on their body and fins caused by ammonia burns.

Can Betta recover from ammonia poisoning?

Your betta should begin to recover within three to five days, although you must continue the treatment until he is eating normally again. Once you're happy that your fish is healthy again, you can return him to the main tank.