Betta fish, also known as Siamese fighting fish, is a popular aquarium pet owing to its enchanting jewel-toned colors, flowing fins, and tail shapes. Though these fish make amazing pets, like any other living creature, they also exhibit some unusual behavior, which may concern you.
One such behavior that mostly concerns betta fish owners is when they seem to be resting or lying at the bottom of the tank for a very long time. Some behaviors may seem like they are chilling out, but sometimes, it may indicate underlying issues that need your attention. So, in this blog, we have covered 10 reasons why your betta fish might be lying at the bottom of the tank!
Here are a few reasons why your betta tank fish is lying in the tank bottom:
Older Betta Fish Resting at the Bottom
Though some live longer, the average lifespan of a captive Betta fish is 2-4 years. It’s quite challenging to guess their age, but not impossible. Here’s how you can guess their age -
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Measure their size using a ruler when you find them staying at the bottom of the tank. If the size is around 3’’ long, they’re probably older.
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Check their fins, as adult male Betta fish have long, flowing, and faded fins. Their fins look almost muted and diluted. While baby Betta fish have tiny and brilliant-colored fins.
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Many Betta fish become thinner and often showcase a loss of energy. Hence, they are usually found lying around at the tank bottom.
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Look inside their eyes and check for filmy spots, also known as cataracts.
So, if you see your Betta fish sleeping or lying in the bottom, know they’re aging. Hence, they need rest and become less active.
Sleeping Betta Fish
Fish sleep, too! They sleep during the night and also might take a few naps throughout the day, mostly due to exhaustion. If everything in the tank is well, then it might be possible that your Betta fish needs some nap. You’ll find them sleeping under shady leaves at the tank bottom.
Some Betta fish sleep on tank ornaments, substrate, and even on leaf hammocks. Some Bettas sleep vertically and in other strange positions. So, if you see your fish sleeping in that position, don’t fret.
Ammonia Poisoning
The ammonia in the tank is created due to the breakdown of food, waste, and live plants. Normally, the ammonia level should remain close to 0.0 ppm. However, if there is a high level of ammonia, it can cause blindness and brain damage to the fish. Also, it burns the fish’s gills and skin.
A high ammonia level in the fish tank worsens the water quality and leads to breathlessness. Hence, it is one of the leading causes why your Betta fish might be lying at the bottom. Use an ammonia detector and ammonia-reducing filter to bring the ammonia level to optimal.
Nitrate Poisoning
When ammonia oxidizes, it becomes nitrites, which eventually become nitrates (nitrogen), which serve as a macronutrient. In low concentrations, it helps the plants grow. But, when the level gets too high, it can lead to algae formation, which can cause the death of your Betta fish.
So, if you see algae formation in the tank and find your fish lying at the bottom of the tank, it’s time to take necessary actions. Keep the tank clean and add chemical filters. Also, use only purified water for replacement.
Poor Filtration
Keeping the Betta fish in an unfiltered aquarium can be harmful for them. Also, keeping them in an aquarium with large filters is not recommended. They lead to poor water conditions, which can spike the nitrate and ammonia levels. It also leads to bacterial growth, which makes the fish sick. These issues make them dwell at the bottom of the tank.
Also, keeping them in an aquarium with filters with strong flow is not recommended. It can push the fish and injure them, leaving them to stay at the bottom.
Incorrect pH
Betta fish can survive in slightly acidic water. But since Betta fish have been bred in freshwater aquariums, they can survive to a more neutral pH (around 7.0). Hence, most Betta fish parents keep the pH level between 6.0 and 8.0. It is quite normal for the pH in a tank to change. This is due to the varying photosynthesis and respiration levels.
If you see your Betta fish hanging at the bottom, consider checking the pH level of the water. This is because even the slightest change in the normal pH can make the atmosphere deadly for the fish. Also, peat moss and driftwood should be added to the tank as they are known to lower the pH.
Bad Tank Mates
As you know, the Betta fish is also known as Siamese fighting fish. Hence, they fight every other fish. Housing other small-sized fish is also not recommended, as they are subjected to being bullied by Betta fish. On the other hand, keeping large and aggressive fish, such as cichlids, can stress them, driving them to the bottom of the tank to rest.
The best thing to do is to keep them alone. Or, you can add shrimps or snails, as they are considered best companions for Betta fish. But, if you are thinking of adding some algae eaters, be cautious.
Conclusion
Though Bettas are hardy fish, they are also susceptible to illness caused due to several tank issues. So, if you find your betta dwelling or struggling at the bottom, check for the pH level, the content of nitrates and ammonia in the water, the filtration system, their diet, etc. Take necessary precautions to ensure your Betta pet is thriving in a healthy environment.
