My Betta Is Lazy. Is There Someting Wrong?

[wrightt3]

Hi
This is my first betta and I have had him for about a year now but the past 2/3 months he has been acting very lethargic. He always seems to either lay at the bottom of the tank or rest amongst the plants. The only time I get a reaction from him is during feeding but sometimes he even ignores food.
Ammonia and nitrites are always at 0 and nitrates are usually between 20 and 40 so water quality can't be the problem.
The tank is 15 gallons so lack of space isn't the issue either.
My guess would be that it is down to one of three things:
- Temperature? he seemed more active in the summer so perhaps the tank is too cool (currently at 24 Celsius)
-Overfeeding? though I doubt this as he doesn't seem bloated and I don't think I feed him too much.
-Old age? I don't know how old he was when I got him but he was fully grown so perhaps he is simply growing old?
any advise from more experienced betta keepers would be greatly appreciated.
 

 

[Ninjouzata]

It'd be good if you could up the temperature to at least 78, but 80 would be better.
 
What do you feed him, how often, and how much?
 
Are there any other fish in the tank? What is your water change schedule like?

 

[wrightt3]

Only other tankmates are neons and a Farlowella, both of which pay no attention to the betta.
I change 30% of the water weekly.
I'll try upping the temperature to see if it makes a difference. Is there anything else that you think it could be?
Thanks for the help!

 

[wrightt3]

I place a small pinch of flake food in the tank twice a day and then use frozen foods twice a week

 

[EllieJellyEllie]

He may be bloated as flakes can cause bloat, but I think he is growing old.
 
Bettas at the petstores can be 1-2 years old, and you have had hjim for a year he may be 2-3, 3-5 being average lifespan. But I think turning the heat to 26-27 would help him tons

 

[wrightt3]

I've heard that flakes can cause bloating but he has been fine for the majority of the time I have had him so I don't think that's what is causing it. I've turned the heat up a bit so I'll just have to wait and see if it makes a difference.
Thanks very much for the help!

 

[wrightt3]

Well my betta died today so I guess it was old age after all

 On the brighter side though, I now have room for a new fish...
I was thinking of getting a non Splenden betta species but I'm having trouble tracking some down. If anyone knows anywhere in the UK where you can order them from, that would be great!

 

[nortonmad213]

there is a breeder up in scotland who will ship to you, cant remember the name but someone on here will

 

[wrightt3]

After looking around, I think I've found the guy you mean, his site's called the fish hut. I'm thinking about getting a pair of Betta Channoides.
Before I post this in the non Splendens section, does anyone know if these are compatible with neons?

 

[Tongue_Flicker]

I have a recently deceased 3 year old betta and he barely moves either unless it is feeding time lol.. I'd say it is pretty normal behavior

 

[FriedFlowerHornFillet]

Labyrinth fish are intelligent. Intelligent fish have personalities. I had an Opaline Gourami that killed everything in my tank, and a Paradise fish that made friends with guppies. I have never had a mean Gourami since -or a nice Paradise fish