Betta behavior

[Tl52505]

Hi everyone, this is my first time keeping a betta fish, and was wondering if this was normal/ok. I noticed that he is swimming under some of the leaves in the tank that he cant really fit under, so he is scraping or rubbing against them. It doesn’t look like he is trying to get an itch or anything, it just looks like he is going somewhere that he can’t fit. Is it harmful for him to rub against the leaves?

 

[Lemon]

Nope he seems just a lil shy. My betta did that when I first got him. How long has he been in the tank? Also more hiding places can help until he shows his true colors figuratively and literally

 

[Tl52505]

Nope he seems just a lil shy. My betta did that when I first got him. How long has he been in the tank? Also more hiding places can help until he shows his true colors figuratively and literally

He has been in the tank for about a week, but only with the plants and rocks for around 3 to 4 days

 

[Lemon]

He is probably just getting used to the decorations then. He should be up and about soon

 

[Tl52505]

He is probably just getting used to the decorations then. He should be up and about soon

The first day that I got him, he was swimming around and being pretty active near the top of the tank

 

[Lemon]

His tank seems a lil bare add some hiding places. If you do a planted tank do 70 to 80% plants with rocks eta he is stressed from being exposed to direct light and being in the open.

 

[Tl52505]

His tank seems a lil bare add some hiding places. If you do a planted tank do 70 to 80% plants with rocks eta he is stressed from being exposed to direct light and being in the open.

What type of plants do you recommend

 

[Lemon]

Java fern
Frog bit
Moss balls
Hornwort
You can also use silk plants but make sure they aren’t plastic or sharp.

 

[Tl52505]

Java fern
Frog bit
Moss balls
Hornwort
You can also use silk plants but make sure they aren’t plastic or sharp.

Also, would it harm the betta if he keeps rubbing up against the bottom of the leaves

 

[Lemon]

No not unless he really rammed into the bottom he may lose a scale or two but it’s unlikely. the only concern I would have is his eyes getting irritated or poked by the edges of the leaves or him not eating

 

[Tl52505]

He i

No not unless he really rammed into the bottom he may lose a scale or two but it’s unlikely. the only concern I would have is his eyes getting irritated or poked by the edges of the leaves or him not eatin

His tank seems a lil bare add some hiding places. If you do a planted tank do 70 to 80% plants with rocks eta he is stressed from being exposed to direct light and being in the open.

Just realized that was an old picture of the tank. This is what it currently looks like, and someone had suggested taller plants that will extend up to the upper level. Suggestions for plants that are taller?