New Betta- New Owner

[stfbmd]

I am a new owner of a betta fish, Oob, and I have had him for 4 days. I was going to do a water change when I noticed he is swimming around erratically, nosing the pebbles on bottom, diving up and down. The first few days he didn't do very much of this. Is he just getting comfortable, or is something wrong? I had a betta once years ago and I remember he was very calm, not like this at all. Can anyone help? Thanks!

 

[zoekin8yg]

he could just be a little stressed. what size tank do you have him in any filter?

 

[stfbmd]

It's a little over 2 gallons, and no filter at this time. I had a betta in the same thing once about 7 years ago, but he died when I had to leave him with a co-worker (long story). The water is spring water and I was getting ready to do my first partial change with more spring water. Today is the first time he's acted this way. (In the whole four days I've had him)

 

[Tokis-Phoenix]

What sort of decor does the tank have? Adding some silk or live plants to the tank can help reduce stress levels in fish.

 

[stfbmd]

Three stalks of live bamboo and one glass snail (yellow and black striped). He was put in with the bamboo already in (the snail as well).

 

[Tokis-Phoenix]

Hmm...If you've only had him for 4days its likely he's still settling in, so i would wait awhile and see if he settles down (most fish take around 2 weeks to properly settle down into a new tank). Keep an eye on him though for any other unusual behavior or symptoms.

 

[stfbmd]

He hasn't 'flared' at me yet since I've had him, but then again, I 'rescued' him from WalMart when he looked pretty pitiful. Are bettas really active fish? I expected him to be very calm for some reason, maybe just because my last one was. And are there always lots of bubbles on the edges of the surface? Thank you for the help!

 

[Tokis-Phoenix]

He hasn't 'flared' at me yet since I've had him, but then again, I 'rescued' him from WalMart when he looked pretty pitiful. Are bettas really active fish? I expected him to be very calm for some reason, maybe just because my last one was. And are there always lots of bubbles on the edges of the surface? Thank you for the help!

It depends on the individual betta, but most are relatively active fish- if you give him an interesting environment to live in and good water and diet he'll do great . Male betta's can build bubble nests which could explain the bubbles in your tank (can you get a pic of the bubbles? Bubble's can also indicate water quality problems or issues like too much protein in the water), a lot of people associate the presence of bubble nests with the betta being happy and healthy.

 

[stfbmd]

Well, it sounds like I just need to get a water test kit and a small cave for him to hide in if he wants. Thank you for your help- I was scared I was about to lose my new family edition!

Also, the bubbles are just small perfectly same sized little clear bubbles. About the same size as when he comes up to the top to feed. Thanks again!

 

[zoekin8yg]

that sounds like a good idea good luck

 

[Tokis-Phoenix]

Well, it sounds like I just need to get a water test kit and a small cave for him to hide in if he wants. Thank you for your help- I was scared I was about to lose my new family edition!

Also, the bubbles are just small perfectly same sized little clear bubbles. About the same size as when he comes up to the top to feed. Thanks again!

Glad to help ! Just remember to keep up on those water changes- with feeding him, try to avoid feeding too many dried foods as this can sometimes lead to constipation in bettas. Frozen bloodworms will be readily accepted by all bettas and are very healthy for them .

 

[stfbmd]

frozen bloodworms- can I get those at Petco or Petsmart?

And thank you both for your help- I feel much better!

 

[Kyrielle]

If you find nothing wrong with the environment and nothing that obviously is stressing the fish, it could be that he's excited to see you and has already made the association that you are "the food giver". Mine gets quite excited whenever I approach the tank or take off the tank lid and will dive up and down, wriggle, snap at things or me...generally acting like he just ingested a ton of caffine. I've read that some people's bettas will push the marbles in the bottom of their tanks around until they fit some formation that is to their liking. You could just have a particularly excitable and active fish.

But I would take the precautions to rule out stress first with the suggestions Tokis and Zoe have given. =)

Edit: As for the bubbles, sometimes when they dive down after getting a "breath" they'll release a bubble or two. If you start seeing a bunch at the top though and it looks like foam, he might be building a bubble nest. Bubbles are not a bad sign either way, as far as I know.

I think Petco sells frozen/live brine shrimp, not sure about frozen/live worms.

 

[jollysue]

Sounds very like it could be a happy Betta dance: "Look at me! Don't you think I'm exceptional? So feed me!" Just as Kyrielle suggested. Most of my boys do the Betta dance when I come near. When they don't come and dance, that's when I get concerned. I never had one move the decore for me though. So cute!

 

[summerdragon]

Don't expect one betta to act like the next, that are all very individual....So don't worry too much if this Betta is NOTHING like your last .... But most do get to know there owner and do like to put on a show for them.....But keeping an eye on your water quality is always a good idea, and giving your Betta a little tank decor should help as well.... They do like to lay on/under stuff.... I (aka my betta) also love the frozen bloodworm, but as you have a unfiltered tank be careful about overfeeding, bloodworm will turn your water bad very quickly... And yes you can buy it at any big pet store chain.... Best of luck with the new fish....