Why Does Betta Lay On Rocks? Betta fish, also known as Siamese fighting fish, are native to the rice paddies and slow-moving streams of Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia. In the wild, bettas often rest on leaves or branches that have fallen into the water. In a home aquarium, bettas may rest on a variety of objects, including rocks.
Your Betta’s behavior may worry you, but it is usual for it to lie on the fish tank’s rocks.
However, in other cases, it is not usual behavior for betta fish, and it can be an indication of an infection, poisoning, a small tank, or unfavorable water quality.
There are several explanations for your betta fish’s motionless position on the tank’s pebbles. The fish may be dozing off and taking a sleep. However, lying near the rocks might also be harmful.
Other potential causes include sickness, aging, poisoning, stress, and depression. All of these factors slow down betta and may lead to more frequent naps. The greatest advice is to not worry and to take the time to watch how the fish is acting if you discover a betta laying.
Reasons Why Your Betta Fish Lay On Rocks
Here are some of the reasons listed below why your betta lay on rocks:
Betta May Be Sleeping
If the betta has lengthy fins, as the majority do, it may not be capable of swimming as efficiently. A long-finned betta may find it exhausting to swim constantly, and there are times when it is more comfortable to rest at the bottom.
Betta was created by breeders to be an aesthetic fish, and as a result, they come in a huge range of colors. Some of these fins, nevertheless, are long enough to render the fish helpless. This is particularly true if the tail is over half moon, half moon, rose tail, or a comparable variety. These enormous tails can significantly weigh down your betta. They sit or lie on the tank’s rocks because, to put it simply, they are unable to swim normally or continuously as they should.
If your betta stays still for a very long time without moving, but its gills are moving normally, and it is breathing normally, then it is probably asleep. The betta lacks eyelids, like the majority of fish. As a result, they are unable to avoid it and are forced to doze off while keeping their eyes open. Therefore, if the betta is inert and appears to be staring into the fifth dimension, it is most likely asleep.
Betta May Be Getting Older
As humans, Bettas also get old and weak as they age. While this can occur as early as one and a half years of age, other bettas might not begin to show signs of aging until they are three or four years old.
The Bettas could be unable to swim from the top of the tank to the bottom of the tank and end up resting on a leaf or tank accessories. Your betta fish might even take a brief nap on the rocks at the bottom of the tank if it is very worn out.
Betta fish’s metabolism slows as they age, their color becomes greyer, and they become more lethargic. Many pet owners could become alarmed if the Bettas start to frequently lie on the rocks of the tank.
Ammonia Poisoning
There is probably a problem with the tank or the water quality if your betta isn’t sleeping and isn’t older. Ammonia poisoning is one of the main reasons betta fish lie on the rocks at the bottom of the tank.
Ammonia is a naturally occurring substance in tanks because fish and other invertebrates constantly produce waste, which is subsequently broken down by communities of helpful bacteria. The only time ammonia levels should ever be at their maximum is while the tank is cycling. Otherwise, it should always be near 0.0 ppm.
But what happens if you mistakenly add too many fish or feed them all at once? There could be a mini-cycle where ammonia levels rise, and bacteria populations become unbalanced. Sadly, ammonia is a poisonous substance. The internal and exterior organs of your betta fish and invertebrates will suffer damage if there is any considerable level of ammonia in the tank. Their gills eventually burn, rendering them unable to breathe.
Your Betta fish may gasp for air near the tank’s bottom as a result of this adverse consequence. It’s already way late for your Betta at this point. However, water changes, water conditioners, and filter media that reduce ammonia could be able to assist in reducing the levels of ammonia just in time.
Nitrate Poisoning
If you go through a mini-cycle, you’ll probably also experience a significant influx of nitrates. Ammonia is transformed from ammonia into nitrite and then into nitrate when it enters the aquarium water. Nitrates, in contrast to the others, may only be swiftly eliminated from the tank with a release of water. For this reason, it’s advised to perform a specific 96%-100% water change when a betta tank has completed cycling.
Fortunately, nitrate poisoning only happens when the tank water contains extremely high nitrate concentrations. Your betta will have passed away from another reason by the time nitrates build up in the betta fish tank to the point where nitrate poisoning occurs. After the aquarium has cycled, nitrate poisoning is a genuine possibility.
Your betta’s health will decline swiftly as a result of nitrate poisoning. If the betta lies on the tank floor, that is one of the most serious indications. Water tests and regular water changes will help to ensure that your pet betta never suffers from nitrate poisoning.
Illness
The second most frequent reason for your betta fish’s slowing down is an illness, so check for that as soon as you have checked out any cases of ammonia or nitrate poisoning. You need to keep an eye on your betta fish’s appearance. It might be ill if it seems very pale and is lying on the rocks of the tank. If your Betta is upside down, that is a very major warning sign.
Betta diseases are quite prevalent. It can be challenging to identify the illness in your pet because it can all present as the same symptom. Long fins are simple to spot, and only male fish have problems sitting because of them. If your betta swims but seems to be weighed down by its fins, or if its movement does not reach toward the ends of the fins, the fins are most likely the source of the problem.
Even while stress can be challenging to spot in fish, it does exist. Check to see if your betta worries by anything nearby, such as vibrations, tank reflections, or other fish. You can also check to see whether the tank is in a busy area. Eliminate any stressors if you have any before trying any additional treatments.
Rotted Fin
Bettas frequently get fin rot, especially if their fins are long. Fin rot may be difficult to spot in its early stages since the tip of the fin may only appear slightly warped or wavy. The fin eventually becomes ragged and typically has a gray, black, or even white margin. This issue is frequently resolved by more regular water changes, antimicrobial drugs, and hydrogen peroxide swabs.
Swim Bladder Disorder
If your betta appears to be swimming awkwardly, it might be due to swim bladder disease, which is rather prevalent in bettas. However, it is rarely fatal. In actuality, you ought to be able to heal your betta in just a few days of treatment.
The term “swim bladder disease” is used to define any sickness that prevents your betta’s swim bladder from functioning normally, including diseases, injury, and environmental factors. Overeating and constipation are two of the many typical causes of swim bladder illnesses.
Why Do Betta Fish Have Swim Bladder Disease?
Swim bladder illness is almost always brought on by overeating. The exceptionally gutsy fish known as the betta will keep eating even after it is full. They frequently become constipated as a result, which may damage their swim bladder. The betta may have constipation as a result of this, and fatty deposits may accumulate in the bladder.
Shock can also result in swim bladder disease, though less frequently. Your betta’s swim bladder may be impacted by stress or shock if something significant occurs in your tank. An abrupt shift in temperature is just one of several potential causes of the shock.
Parasites are another causative factor of swim bladder illness. Your betta may have parasitic worm infestations in its digestive system and intestines, which will make swimming much more difficult for it.
Infection with bacteria can also cause swim bladder illness. This is probably caused by bad water quality, along with parasites. Swim bladder illness will probably be one of many symptoms if your pet has a bacterial infection, along with other symptoms.
Euthanasia may need to be considered if a bacterial infection has progressed to the point where it is affecting the swim bladder. Dropsy should be treated for in your betta if you see swim bladder disease, extreme bloating, and pinecone scales.
Signs Of Swim Bladder Disease
The most typical signs of swim bladder illness include difficulty swimming and buoyancy issues. Other common signs of swim bladder dysfunction include sinking to the bottom, floating on the surface, and uneven swimming. Another obvious indicator of constipation or overeating is swollen tummies or arched backs.
Small Tank
A small tank is another factor that might contribute to your betta fish lying on the rocks of the tank. Because the bettas are beginner’s fish, betta fish are known for being housed in substandard conditions. An excessively small tank not only stresses out the betta fish but it can also cause the water’s parameters to change.
Some hobbyists have experience raising betta fish in smaller setups, but 5 gallons is typically the bare minimum advised. Betta fish require a 5-gallon, fully-cycled aquarium. This provides the fish with enough room to swim freely while also creating an engaging environment to prevent boredom.
A larger tank also implies that water parameters won’t be impacted as rapidly or significantly should a problem develop in the system, which results in a more generally healthier betta. A small tank, however, may result in poor-quality water and a tired betta left lying on the rocks of its tank.
Temperature Of The Tank
The temperature of the water may be one of the impacted water factors. Although betta fish are extremely robust in every way, they are tropical fish and require a consistent water temperature of 78 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Unfortunately, due to inaccurate knowledge of proper betta care, these fish are sometimes housed in unheated tanks with variable temperatures.
Betta fish require an aquarium heater constantly to maintain a consistent water temperature since improper or variable water temperatures might put the fish into shock. A betta fish’s inability to biologically adapt to its surroundings can cause it to become lethargic and eventually die.
- Fluval E200 Advanced Electronic Heater, 100-Watt Heater for Aquariums up to 65 Gal., A773
- Fluval M200 Submersible Heater, 200-Watt Heater for Aquariums up to 65 Gal., A784
Wrong pH
Checking the pH levels of the tank’s water may also be advisable if you discover your betta fish lying on the rocks of the tank. The pH value of the water should ideally be neutral, at 7.0. Your betta fish may become ill if the pH level changes, whether it is above or below the neutral range.
It is advised that you get a pH treatment from your neighborhood pet shop to keep the pH level of your tank stable. These processes are a practical and affordable way to control the pH of the water.
It is crucial to emphasize that any adjustments to the water’s parameters should be performed gradually. Your water’s pH level should be adjusted over time if it is either higher or lower than 7.0. It is best to avoid making sudden changes because it might stress bettas and can be harmful.
Use Of Improper Filter
Use of the right filtration is essential for a healthy betta aquarium. If the tank is not filtered, you will need to physically replace the water in the tank periodically to maintain water quality and keep out harmful particles.
Ideally, you should be running both biological and artificial systems. The best results are obtained when the bacteria’s natural biological filtration system is combined with the artificial filtration provided by gravel filters and pumps. Regular filter cleanings and inspections are also crucial.
When choosing a filter, you should consider the betta fish’s personality. These fish don’t like to swim in agitated or moving water. So you should use a low-flow filter to reduce water movement.
If you pick the wrong kind of filter, it will restrict your fish’s movement and urge them to explore.
If a poor filter is being utilized, your fish will typically be stationary on the rocks at the bottom of the tank. When the filter is too strong, and the betta fish cannot move around, this usually happens.
Improper Diets
Your betta fish may become lethargic if you are giving it the improper kind of diet. This means that your betta won’t move as much as you anticipated and won’t spend an excessive amount of time exploring. They may frequently be found dozing off on the rocks of the tank.
Bettas require high-quality protein meals like insect larvae (including mosquito larvae), brine shrimp, various kinds of daphnia, worms, and flakes from any nearby pet shop.
Instead, you are giving them food that either they cannot digest or cannot be properly absorbed. The betta fish become stressed when exposed to plant materials or processed human food, which is one of the main causes of their sedentary behavior at the tank’s bottom.
If this is the case, uneaten food in the bottom of the tank may be a good indication. It could be a great idea to remove the food and offer something else if your Betta fish haven’t eaten it after thirty minutes of feeding. Additionally, this will stop ammonia from accumulating because of the breakdown of meals. Furthermore, bettas will not have enough energy to swim if they are not properly fed and nourished.
Wrong Tank Mates
Betta fish naturally find it difficult to remain in the same tank as other fish, and this causes them a great deal of worry and suffering. The betta fish become immobile when there are too many other fish in their aquarium, and they frequently rest near the bottom.
You should house a solitary betta fish in a tank since it provides the optimum conditions for healthy fish to roam around, explore, and develop. However, it’s crucial to ensure the tank is at least 10 gallons in size and has lots of greenery and hiding spots if you intend to add other fish.
You should not house some tank mates with bettas. First off, two betta fish should be together since they can become very hostile. Particularly avoid keeping two male bettas together. Additionally, since betta fish tend to bite on other fish’s fins, I advise you that you avoid adding any other brightly colored fish with long, flowing fins.
The greatest tank companions for betta fish are ghost shrimp and freshwater snails. The best fish to keep in a tank with include Cardinal Tetras, Corydoras, Harlequin Rasboras, Neon Tetras, Ottocynclis, Bristlenose Plecos, Mollies, Kuhli Loaches, and Rummynose Tetras.
Lack Of Live Plants
Bettas enjoy having live plants in their tanks for a variety of reasons. First off, it provides the bettas with a channel to swim through, which keeps things lively and interesting. In addition to providing them with something to play with, it also provides them something to do rather than continuously swim back and forth.
Betta fish may spend most of the time lying on the rocks at the tank’s bottom if there are no live plants or other things to give them alternative activities since they get weary of swimming constantly.
It’s crucial to consider your betta’s fluffy and occasionally long fins while adding items to their tank. They resemble miniature works of art. I advise not to include anything that might harm those fins.
Fish may swim through sharp things swiftly and tear those fins to pieces if you are not cautious with the type of décor you place in the tank with the fish. This may also be the cause of your fish’s immobility in the bottom of the tank.
FAQ
Is It Normal For The Betta Fish To Stay Still?
The betta fish will occasionally stop moving, which is very normal. This happens when the fish is snoozing, unwinding, napping, or is getting older.
What Causes The Bettas To Lay At The Bottom Of The Tank Upside Down?
One of the most prevalent diseases in betta fish is swim bladder disease, which frequently results in the fish lying upside down at the bottom of the tank.
What Are The Differences Between A Sleeping and Dying Fish?
The gills of a sleeping betta fish will move slowly and breathe continuously, which is the main difference between a sleeping fish and one that is dying. You can frequently find a dead fish at the surface of the water or at the bottom of the tank because it is immobile. Additionally, dying betta fish respond slowly.
Conclusion
There are a few reasons why bettas may choose to rest on rocks in an aquarium. One reason is that the rocks provide a secure and stable surface for the fish to rest on. Betta fish are territorial animals and may feel more secure when they have a solid surface to rest on.
Another reason why bettas may lay on rocks is that the rocks may provide some heat to the fish. Betta fish are tropical fish and prefer water temperatures between 76 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit. If the water in the aquarium is too cool, the betta may lay on the rocks to absorb some of the heat from the room.
Finally, bettas may lay on rocks as a way of conserving energy. Betta fish are prone to getting sick if you keep them in small, poorly-maintained tanks. When you keep bettas in a healthy environment with plenty of space to swim and clean water, they may be more likely to rest and conserve energy.
It is important to provide your betta with a variety of objects to rest on in the aquarium. It includes rocks, plants, and other decorations. This will help to keep your betta happy and healthy.