Is it normal for bettas to sit on the bottom?

[k2snowboards88]

I jsut got a betta today. He spends some time sitting on the substrate. NOt all his time, but some. Is this normal?

 

[steppy104]

depends. how big is the tank you're keeping him in?

 

[k2snowboards88]

Its a 5 gallon tank with an external biowheel filter. Ther isn't much current as the filter doesn't move much water. But could the slight current be whats making him want to sit on the bottom?

 

[steppy104]

hmmm...i dunno. show him to a mirror and see if he perks up a little...if he doesn't do anything at all, and you KNOW he seen himself, then there might be something up. examine him, and see if you notice anything physically wrong with him.

 

[Sorrell]

If you just got him today I wouldn't be worried, if it goes on though then we can definately go from there

 

[SMSBrunetteGirl]

If you just got him today I wouldn't be worried, if it goes on though then we can definately go from there

I agree with Sorrell,my female and male betta certainly don`t just sit at the bottom for what I`ve seen.

 

[BettasRFriends]

None of my betta sits on the bottom for more than 5 minutes so there might be something wrong. It's probably stressed out so you don't have to worry bout anything but if this continue, something is wrong. Does it display horizontal stripes?

 

[SMSBrunetteGirl]

None of my betta sits on the bottom for more than 5 minutes so there might be something wrong. It's probably stressed out so you don't have to worry bout anything but if this continue, something is wrong. Does it display horizontal stripes?

What does horizontal stripes have to with it?

 

[BettasRFriends]

Horizontal stripes mean the betta is stressed out or submissive.. You usually see this when you first buy a fish. Cambodian and other light bodied betta would not show these stripes.

 

[ral]

Some of my Betta's sit on the bottom after lights out when they go to sleep.

 

[Joby]

I have a MG male plakat that does this. When he sits at the bottom he has to lean on something or he just ends up on his side. He's done it since I got him, but it wasn't evident in the shop or maybe I wouldn't have picked him (nah, probably still would as I'd feel sorry for him). He eats, flares and does swim around a little and makes bubble nests although it does wear him out and he has to keep laying down for a rest quite often I would say he's on the bottom 80% of the time.

I also have a juvie that does this. I think the term is "belly slider" its just the swim bladder didn't come in properly I guess. I don't have the heart to cull it as its eating as well as its siblings and it does swim around a little.

Maybe this is what is wrong with yours

 

[k2snowboards88]

Theres nothing wrong with him i guess. He sat on the bottom for a little while, but less than 5 minutes. He swims much more than he sits on the bottom. I just didn't know if it was normal for him to sit on the bottom at all.

 

[BettasRFriends]

He MIGHT be resting if you see his pectoral fin (those fins that moves when he swims; located on each side of his head) not moving.