Betta Behavior?? Question!!!

**ashbaxter** · 12-16-2012, 08:11 PM

Hi all,

I have had Genghis my make betta for a few weeks now and absolutely love having my first betta. He always swims up to the glass and says hello.

My question is around his behaviour, he seems to lay around alot. I read that it could be temperature related so i double checked and its running at 79 degrees, im doing 50% water changes each week, the tank is 21 liters.

Ive often seen him laying down inside one of the ornaments or on the gravel, but the moment he sees me he comes zipping up to the glass so doesnt seem sick. He eats pretty well and is feed betta pellets and brine shrimp as a treat sometimes.

IS this normal or do i need to do something else? could he be bored?

**Shidohari** · 12-16-2012, 08:32 PM

21 litres is a five gallon tank correct? Or is that a two gallon?

Anyhow i've see my betta Rose lay on his side in the fish tank every once in a while (it's a ten gallon) some like playing tricks on ius like that. And yet you go up to look at them and it's like they weren't trying to play 'dead' on you.

If you are concerned check your ammo, nitrite and nitrate readings with your API FRESHWATER MASTER KIT. If you haven't already bought one of these, do it. Takes longer to get a reading, but they're more accurate.

Hope this helps. Also if that amount of litres is less than a four gallon, i would recommend upgrading his space to at least a four to five gallon, which is the minimum for a betta by itself.

**ashbaxter** · 12-16-2012, 08:43 PM

Thanks Shidohari,

21 litres is just under 6 gallons so should be a good size for him?

Ill run some tests on the water and see how its holding up

**Rocksta** · 12-16-2012, 08:49 PM

Mine likes to do that. He likes to stick himself to te filter. First day I bought him home I thought he was dead. Turned the filter off and he swam away. Checked him 10mins later and he was back there.
He can get himself off with ease so now I leave him to it.

I think they are lazy fish as it is. Doubt there is anything wrong with him but best to check your water

**Tiari** · 12-16-2012, 11:34 PM

Your tank size is very good for a Betta, no concerns there. The temp though should be running at 82 degrees they like it warmer than most tropical fish. They can do well at a community tank at 78, but if he's by himself, give him the temp he will do best in.

As for laying around, its not uncommon for first time Betta owners to think their Betta is dead! Its just laying there in the leaves, or somewhere in the tank, then "pouf", darting around. This is not uncommon, Betta rest a lot unless there is something for them to do.

Make sure there is plenty of silk plants or live plants with leaves for him to rest in, its not good for a Betta to be on the bottom of the tank, where the detritus rests. If he is not seeking to lay on his side on the bottom all the time, then you are likely dealing with normal resting Betta behavior.

**ashbaxter** · 12-16-2012, 11:57 PM

Thanks Tiari!!

Ill get the temp up a bit for him then!

Ive got a decent sized silk plant plus a live soft hair grass plus a few little ornaments which he will sometimes sit on.

I was worried at first as he looked just like a sick tropical but since he does exactly as you say, sitting down then zipping around!!

Thanks for your help!!!

**Cyberra** · 12-17-2012, 03:46 AM

Betta is sleeping ^_^ Mine do the same thing, when they're not planting themselves into a plant and looking like they've crashed into it or twisting themselves into pretzals

**Lolita** · 12-19-2012, 03:17 AM

:) It sounds to me like you have a perfect little set up for him!

My betta lazes around a lot, too. They're like royalty--they like to swim around and show off for a little while, then find a comfortable spot to lounge.

**ashbaxter** · 12-20-2012, 03:20 AM

Thanks Guys! i was worried he wasnt happy. Such a neat fish, not sure why its taken me so long to get one!

**Cyberra** · 12-20-2012, 04:55 AM

Originally Posted by ashbaxter

Thanks Guys! i was worried he wasnt happy. Such a neat fish, not sure why its taken me so long to get one!

Some people seem to think bettas are boring because they usually have to be kept alone rather than in large tanks with other fish. But what they lack in social skills they make up for in personality. Mine seem to be made up of equal parts curiosity, insanity, fins, and attitude