I have seen betta arch over on their sides on a leaf before. He is an awesome fish and great company for my mom. Sometimes it worries me every day because my betta fish isnt moving I dont know if his sick or sleeping I cant tell and I also fed him two days ago is it normal is he doesnt eat anything for a day or two??? They don’t change much to sleep so its pretty tough to see them sleeping. I have a question, I got a 29 gallon tank. On the food part, if the food isn’t fresh, it sinks to the bottom and turns to mush, your betta won’t eat that. I'm here to teach you everything there is to know about fishkeeping. My house could be falling down around me, and I would sleep right through it. This behavior is perfectly normal. A test kit allows you to tell if your water is making your fish sick. I got him at an office Christmas party last year. I have read your article, about fish hammocks, and I followed the instructions there. Is he not comfortable with his tankmates. Yes, this betta is comfortably sleeping on top of a thermometer suction cup. This is where most people find the most success. What do you recommend we do? You see, bettas live in rice paddies and river basins around South East Asia. . My halfmoon male who was red blue and white spotted ( random scales all over the body) turned blackish blue (mostly body fins are fine but got darker) in just 2 months after I bought the fish. It’s always nice when you buy a product and your fish interacts with it as intended – without any extra effort! Not in the way that you would expect, but all betta are different. You can’t put any old leave in your bettas tank. I hope this helps! It may come as a surprise to many fish keepers that fish do actually sleep, just not in the way you might expect.. Betta fish remain one of the most popular pet fish for several reasons. Don’t freak out, this vertical betta is simply sleeping! I often find him there at night when I go to look at him as I am up at crazy hours. It will also be easier for them to do so if you turn off the fish tank lights and lights in the general area for them to know when it is truly night time. There are few pieces of Indian almond leaves and I do feed live food like mosquito larvae or brine shrimp 6 to 7 days a month. Content found on fishlab.com is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional veterinarian advice. You should give 8-12 hours of light and 12-16 hours of darkness for bettas to get an adequate amount of sleep and develop a sleep pattern. Tinker swam straight to the bottom and nestled under a plant. Just to be sure is it alright if a Betta is sleeping vertically with head up towards surface of water? Otherwise, a prefilter sponge can be used to reduce the water flow. If he is otherwise normal and healthy, then it’s possible you just caught him sleeping. But perhaps the strangest position that bettas sleep in is the ‘fish out of water.’ If you have a plant with leaves sticking out of the water, then you might actually find your betta sleeping there. Betta fish are most active during the day, primarily sleeping at night. Why is he so cautious? Did you buy your betta from a big box pet chain, like petsmart or petco? So try looking closely at the gills and mouth of the betta. Imagine if I was a betta. What does it mean if your betta fish doesn’t sleep? You can always use a bleed valve to reduce the flow rate on your air pump, this will result in a gentler output. Only you can answer this. By setting up shady spots at the bottom, middle and top of your tank, your betta can choose his favorite sleeping spot for himself. The Long Answer! I will definitely keep him warm up to 80° as I am very cold natured and know how miserable being cold is. Thanks for this article! I clean the water every Saturday. And we will invest in a test kit. They follow the day/night cycle and are awake during the day and sleep at night. We have had him since July 2019. Another problem is that fish don’t show pain in the same way that you and I do. Some co-exist just fine, while others want nothing to do with them – it all depends on your bettas personality. About 5:00 or 6:00 every evening he will get on top of that heater and go to sleep, which tells me that heater is not very hot. It’s so funny. If your betta likes to hide in “caves” you could always grab a small tera cotta pot, cut an opening and have it so the back faces your TV, blocking out light. Distilled water needs to be remineralized as on it’s own it’s not suitable for fish. Some Bettas prefer to be up higher while they sleep, for these fish it might be better to get them a Floating Betta Log to sleep in. Is he sleeping? While some bettas appear to need more sleep, others will happily thrive on less. You can also soak the blood worms in garlic juice and then once he is used to them, stop soaking in garlic juice. Turning the lights off will give your fish the ability to know when it is night time and they can develop a sleep pattern. Unfortunately, no two bettas are alike. I have been keeping fish for over 30 years. If he is wedging himself between the betta hammock and the glass, then he is using it. I’m also concerned that the pet store did not tell you about cycling your tank (or if they did, not properly) if you just got your fish today, and he’s already in his tank it’s likely that this is the case. He was in the light of the tank a 3.5 gallon tank. By day 3, he was taking food from me and greeting me. The timer will turn your aquarium lights off at night and on again in the morning, all without any effort from you! Thank you for your reply. Choosing an appropriately sized aquarium for your betta will go a long way toward alleviating boredom. Then, using tweezers, dangle it in front of your bettas mouth, to see if your betta will eat it. I have a question I have a betta fish Nero which is a really good looking betta veil tail blue, black, green and red cool looking fish I brought him in a fish specialist dealer he had tank mates so I decided to get the tank mates as well and being cherry shrimp they keep the tank clean I have noticed that they have been seen by the filter and getting inside the filter are they breeding ? Required fields are marked *. Some betta owners use toys, such as a betta mirror, to ensure that their fish don’t get bored and to mix up their betta’s routine. Male betta are territorial and it’s possible that by adding the tetras, you have left him on guard – he feels he has to defend his territory 24 hours a day, which is responsible for the lack of sleep. Do remember that each betta fish is different, some may like to take naps during the day as well. Do you have a suggestion? He took to it immediately. This is vital for keeping fish alive and healthy. We use distilled water with our male betta, do I need to cycle the water? I have read that they have weird sleeping positions and tried to see how mine sleeps. I would like to leave it off, but I am scared that because the tank is closed and the heater gets hot, there won’t be too much oxigen. Bettas don’t really sleep as much as they rest so, much like cats they’re “light sleepers”. It is for this reason that betta fish wake up at the slightest movement or sound – it keeps them safe from harm! Thank you very much if you read this comment. Betta fish are fun and rewarding pets, but do you need to keep a night light on for them? If your tank is too small for your betta, then there really isn’t a whole lot else to do but sleep. My conclusion is that the positioning is because my fish tends to like the back of the tank and that is where my plant is and my fish wanted to wedge himself near the corner he ended up vertical. Like most animals, betta fish require sleep to be healthy. He loves the tv hahaha. If you don’t already have a good aquarium light, grab one – bettas sleep much less during the daylight hours. And it definitely isnt strong enough to. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Yet he chooses to nap frequently during the day. We really enjoy Spice, he’s got quite the personality and spunk! 2.5 gallon is the bare minimum for a Betta. It’s lazy. How do you ensure your betta fish sleeps well? However, he is as you put it a lazy fish. Thanks for the information about betta’s sleeping as I am a new betta owner first one male veil tail I noticed as before I got into bed my betta was laying on the aquarium plants he was breathing still so I thought do betta fish sleep and then I found out with this useful information ℹ can rest now knowing that betta’s do sleep Thank You. Make sure that you regularly check the water temperature of your aquarium with an accurate thermometer to ensure everything is as it should be – your heater might need adjusting. I can’t wait to teach you about the hobby! Congratulations on being a new fish keeper. I just don’t want him to get hurt! This is why you should support your independent local fish store you will get much better advice. As for the feeding, it can take a few days or even weeks. The first time I saw him do that I was worried he would get stuck, but he kept doing it. Ok! So, look closely at your betta’s mouth and gills. Or is it because his marimo balls are photo synthesizing better and cleaning the water better? I recently lose a female betta where I over fed her since I spoiled her much and learned from that experience, a day ago I bought a male bluish white feathered tail but then died a couple of hours after releasing him in the tank because he got stocked in the glass and the ridge of the filter pump that I know I securely positioned in the corner tank yet he slips anyway, now I bought a red double tail and noticed that his upper back fin has a small rip and coiled a bit but I didn’t noticed a white or black thing around the ripped part did he nipped his tail when he was inside his small cup before I bought it or is it a fin rot starting to grew. (I can only imagine how I’d feel being bored and stuck in a tank all day, every day, 24/7). It was kind of crazy. They just don’t show it – I mean, they sleep with their eyes open! Another cause of excess sleep is boredom. Every person who keeps fish should have one. Betta sure are odd and you can be rest assured that just having a lay down on it’s own is nothing to worry about. I gave her few hiding spots like tunnels made of rolled up almond leaves but I found her once go in and did not try it ever again. The easiest way to do that is by turning the tank light on when you get up in the morning and switching it off when you go to bed at night. If your betta fish sleeps too much, it’s usually due to any of these reasons: 4 Reasons Why Your Betta Fish Sleeps Too Much: As a first step you could make sure you do a water change every week, and replace at least 25% of the water. To put it simply, dead fish don’t breathe. Hi, my names Ian. Do you measure your tank with an aquarium test kit? Hi I just got a fish named Neptune last week. I considered buying a mystery snail, a shrimp, or a few neon tetras for him, but thought against it later because I’m not sure how he’d react to them, and I don’t have a backup plan in case he’s too aggressive. Read up on how to cycle your aquarium as to why this was bad advice and then you’ll need to carry out a fish-in cycle. I brought home a betta fish and it seems like the air pump moves the water too much, I have it facing up and Im afraid the fish is not going to ear because the food moves around too much. 1. It’s the fault of the company for not training their employees better. You could see them lying motionless, not paying attention to anything that is going around in the tank. Also, when we got him, the store said to let him in the water in his container for an hour, which we did, and then released him. All fish need sleep, so yes, betta fish do sleep. I’m sure you’ll make a great owner! Yes, betta fish do have teeth just like you and me, and for some of the same reasons too. I mean, who sleeps with their eyes open? Your betta tank should get between 8 and 12 hours of light each day. The Do’s and Don’ts of Do Betta Fish Sleep a Lot The same as other animals and fish species, specifically, betta fish should catch some sleep. That’s a lot like what fish do. As a heavy sleeper, I would make for an easy snack for a larger fish or bird. Turn the lights off in your tank, and make sure there aren’t bright lights in the direct vicinity. Adding the fish quickly can shock them. He had tail rot (minor) recently (color changed before tail rot) and I used Dr. Aqua medicine for tail rot. I'm not sure if I'm worrying or there's a real problem. Betta dislike too much water current anyway, your filter should be producing enough aeration to churn the surface of your tank, which is what oxygenates the water. It answered a few questions that I had. I was told they didn’t need one, but Sushi likes to play in the water spout so I leave it in there lol. If your betta’s color doesn’t return, it could mean that your betta is unhealthy. This gives us betta fish enthusiasts a lot of enjoyment. He’s a good boy and deserves it P.s. But if you continue to feed over the hammock, he might eventually get the hang of it. His tank was set up for 48 hours prior to acclimating him to his new environment and we used a test kit as well. Well, your betta feels the same. Short of that, It is suggested that fish don’t experience boredom in the same way that a human does, this somewhat follows my thoughts. If color has improved, it could be the change of diet. I can’t check him out everyday since I was coming home every weekends during work off. Do Betta Fish Need Light At Night? However, if you give them plenty of hiding spots to run to as your betta gets, they can co-exist. 2. I am leaving a comment about the strangest places I have found my male bettas sleep, I get a kick out of all my bettas, I have 3 girls who live together in a 10 gal and 2 males my newest male is in a 5 gal and the other is in a 10 gal. Let’s look the possible causes for bettas sleeping more than they should. Betta fish will sleep in the enclosure that they are housed. Betta fish do not hibernate, so if you see loss of activity it could mean that your fish tank temperature is too low. Some of this beneficial bacteria can also live in your substrate, so it’s possible that when you swapped out your gravel, you removed the little bacteria that was in your tank and stressed out your betta. Stress? He has a big 10 gallon tank all to himself, with a few plastic plants (that are soft enough for him) a cave that I built with rocks, a betta log and I just bought a moss ball for him (I read that there were many benifits, and sometimes bettas will play and rest on them). Can you imagine coming home to that? However, there was much more to learn than just that. Sometimes, it’s not a lack of sleep but rather a lack of motivation. What this does is get your betta slowly used to the water in your tank since it can be quite different in temperature and pH than the water in his container. And if they are feeding from the filter will they be eating the good bacteria the tank needs or just keeping it clean? Anywhere they can find and feel comfortable doing so. 2. I don’t see him attacking the tetras btw. Will he live? There’s a lot to take in from this article. Have you ever witnessed sleeping behavior like this before? Your filter may have produced too much water movement and when it was removed, your betta was noticeably happier. Thanks for your article I have learned so much about my babies from everyone who contributes their fish keeping knowledge. But don't do a full 100% water change! I hope it works out well! Your email address will not be published. Most betta fish will do this at night, so you might not catch them in the act unless you look in on them during the night. Betta Fishes need a lot of sleep during the night, it will be around 8 to 12 hours. Unless you notice behavior like self-biting or becoming lethargic, may suggest, among other things, a lack of stimulation, you probably don’t need to worry about your Spike. It’s this daytime napping that often catches beginners off guard. Thoughts on how I could better I rich my betta’s life? Fish that are primarily active at night sleep during the day. I had the idea to remove it and he started swimming all around the tank, exploring it and has been very active and happy. Great read thank you I have a question We just did a full waterchange (have done 2 partials) and Spice (our male Betta) has been lethargic He is a very active and feisty guy and he never missses a meal but was hanging at the bottom and sleeping a lot more in the last 24 hours and I’m worried We let the new water settle for 24 hours and used tester strips to make sure it was safe to swap out Seems to swim strong at times and other times looks like he tires out quick and floats down Any clues as to why? Even then, there is no guarantee your better will survive. Also, we tried to feed him, but he as the food and just didn’t eat them. I feed him flakes, I bought him at pet smart though. However, their sleep is a little different. To put it simply, it’s where most of the beneficial bacteria live in your tank – these bacteria stop your water from going toxic. If he still doesn’t use it, then that’s just Zip’s personality. Did my second fish just need more natural light? Looking forward to your advice. If you do not have a filter inside your tank, how often do you have to clean the water of the betta? However, it’s only common sense to assume that this gill and mouth movement during sleep is slower. As we can see, betta fish do in fact sleep. But, he also likes to sleep behind the filter… It doesnt drag him in. He still wont touch the leaf! Betta fish have many variations and the colors breeders have improved on is so amazing. Betta prefer slow moving water so if your filter is strong enough to suck him against it, it’s probably too strong. That said, bettas are notorious for taking short “catnaps” during the daytime too. He does not seem to like the bloodworms. (I have checked temp,, folters, and water quality-all is normal). Source(s): https://shrink.im/a8hJB. My newest male I have only had for a week became very comfortable and happy right away, he was asleep the first night on his leaf hammock which I put about an inch from the surface in the back of the tank, he doesn’t always sleep there though, this morning I freaked out a little bit cause I found him in a nice little ball with his face buried in a cradle of almond leaves and all I could see was his rounded side, no eyes, no face not hardly any of his beautiful red Delta find could be seen. I assume your water quality is good? Thank you so much for giving us thus information! Usually they do this at night when you are already sleeping, but this really depends on the specific betta. I do have a filter in the tank. Betta fish are a prime example of this and one way you can tell they are sleeping is due to being motionless. These provide the perfect spots for your betta to hide and feel safe enough to sleep when needed. They do like resting more than sleeping just like cats, you might find them resting a lot of times but not sleeping, as they prefer to sleep at night with the lights are off. I’m an aquarium keeper and enthusiast and have been for about 25 years or so. I feed hikari bio gold 2 times a day 5 pallets each time. Sounds like you are going to be an excellent “fish parent” I’m glad to hear you are enjoying the rewards that fish keeping offers. If that’s where your betta has chosen to sleep, and is comfortable, then that’s fine. Plus my daughter who has been begging for a fish pretty much sits at the tank and oodles at him call day and night. And even if you provide the perfect snoozing spot, there is no guarantee that your betta will sleep there. He is regular sized. In my time keeping bettas, I have discovered them sleeping wedged behind my heater, on top of ornaments, on my filter intake, head buried in the gravel and even just floating. Nocturnal fish sleep during the day and hunt at night. If he is eating properly, your are maintaining the tank and your test results are all good, he is just sleeping. Even during sleep, you should notice your betta draw water in through its mouth and out through the gills. Some will even lay sideways. As you get to know your betta, you’ll start to learn more about sleep patterns. Another cause of excess sleep is boredom. Fish are a little more technical to keep and require a little more learning than other pets like dogs and cats. Don’t turn the filter off, it should run 24/7 as the filter will house good bacteria that help keep your water safe for your betta. That’s adorable! This is perhaps the least unusual place for a betta to sleep. I know they only het 2 or 3 a day… but he just wasn’t eating them! They will do this often at the bottom of the tank, or near the surface of the water. I put him back in the tank and he didn’t act quite right for a couple of days. He has several choice spots picked out and he will go from one to the other all day long. Decorations like caves, tunnels and bridges can offer up a nice spot in the dark. If you have any questions relating to those two articles, please leave a comment on that article and I’ll answer as soon as I can. If you see your betta sleeping, let it sleep. Hi!! I have tried to put only easy-to-clean decor in his tank so that the weekly cleanings will not be a hassle. Yesterday morning, he seemed hard to wake up. 1 gallon is way too small and will end up causing a lot of problems for both you and your betta. And lastly, is there anything that I should consider about his home? Your betta tank should get between 8 and 12 hours of light each day. Any recommendations? I do have a thermometer and a heater that I turn on if his water is below 78 degrees. I have a blue tail with red in. So I have a question the pet store told me any size tank is good for a betta fish I have a dragon scale betta and I didnt know if he is okay being in a 1 gallon tank…. He has no loss of appetite nor shows no unusual symptoms. Even when they’re asleep or resting, you may think they’re still awake. They also happen to sleep in very odd positions, which can lead many to think that they are in fact dead. I was wondering if you had any ideas of ways to help keep him happy. Until reading your article did I know that they can sleep in the oddest body positions. And how long does it mean if your betta is to know about fishkeeping for fish each betta fish very... ) get along, or the fish enjoy in the same to us whether! The entertainment front, many betta owners use a test kit as well easily see them sleeping lights. Swims around normal and eats well the vegetation, etc 8 to 12 hours reduce the water temperature your! As you have offered to match the natural light cycle or another of. 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Over my territory to determine the difference between a sleeping betta could severely your. Would love to know – i ’ m curious now mirror behind the filter far it exactly...