Is This Normal?

[Dorri]

Casey my little betta is usually more active but the last 2 days he's been hanging around the bottom of the tank. Is this normal?. I thought he might be doing this because it's pretty hot outside but now I'm not so sure. He swims to the top but just isn't as active as he usually is?

 

[ReMz]

hey dorri provide us with some info so we can help you out. That is not normal behavior. Betta's are normally active, responsive, and inquisitive fish.

Hanging out at the bottom of the tank is a good sign that something could be wrong. This could range from low temperature, bad water conditions, internal infections, or a myriad of things.

How long have you had Casey?
What size tank is he in? (heated, filtered?) ---> if filtered, is there a high filter flow?
When did you last change the water?
Any signs of external infections? (fin rot, etc)

I'm guessing that he is not in a filtered or heated tank. ... but let us know ASAP so we can help you. If there is something that is really wrong, the faster you act, the better.

 

[Dorri]

Thanks for the reply. Casey is aprox a year old or more. He was in an unfiltered tank and last night I changed the water, even though it didn't look dirty. Casey has been on top and swimming ever since. The one thing I did notice was his collar was out yesterday and I could be wrong but it still looks out today too.. I am hopeing that he didn't swallow a pc of gravel. I will be buying stones that can't be swallowed. Anything else besides attack that can make the collar stand out.?

 

[lilfishie]

Do you have a mirror or anything reflective near his tank? it usually happens when they see 'another' male or an image thinking it is another male as shown by one of my guys he saw the camera

 

[bronzecat]

Hi Dorri

You said that you changed his water even though it didn't look dirty? How often are you doing water changes?

 

[Dorri]

He seems to be fine now...thanks all.

Bronzecat, Diesel has very unique colors.

 

[ReMz]

He seems to be fine now...thanks all.

Bronzecat, Diesel has very unique colors.

That's not exactly what he was getting it.

Water should be changed at least weekly in a small, unfiltered tank. Waiting until the water looks dirty is extremely compromising to the fish's health.

edit: lol. i thought you were referring to YOUR fish Diesel. Just picked up on that. Was certainly confused about what your fish's colors had to do with anything

 

[Dorri]

lol:

 

[Dorri]

He's gone. My little double jointed fish is gone...cry cry...He appeared to be better but yesterday hid himself in some greens and when I went to feed him I noticed he was gone. He didn't struggle, he looked so peaceful, he didn't die on his belly or side but was nicely cradled in the artificial grass The other day when he was hiding he must have wanted to die but I never let him.

Rest in peace sweet Casey.