Need help with Betta

[99SH]

My girlfriend's Betta is acting very strange. She's had him for over a year and he's been fine. But for the last day, he just lays on the bottom of the tank. When I tap on the glass, he responds quickly and swims around, but then settles on the bottom again. Has anyone seen anything like this? He's in a 2 gallon tank. Thanks.

[Leopardess]

Bettas are lazy fish and will rest on plants or against the bottom until they feel like moving. Mine do it all the time.

Does he lay on his side or anything weird like that? Is he eating? Whats the ammonia/nitrate level? Temperature remaining steady? Anything different done to the tank lately?

Also, he responds to the tapping because it sends vibrations through the water which he picks up through his lateral line - dont do it lol. Its like a little shock to them.

[WaterBaby]

I will often see my betta laying on the bottom of the tank. But when he sees me, he comes to the surface "wagging his tail" (he's a crowntail).

Sometimes he actually steadies himself in between the leaves of the floating plants in the tank and relaxes there.

I wouldn't be worried if he he lazes around but "gets up and says hello" if you go near the tank. Just think about it........he's all alone in there, if that's the case (as mine is). What the heck has he got to do in there all day but chill (especially in a 2 gallon tank). ;)

[aquariumfishguy]

Glad you mentioned the 2 gallon tank. I have always kept Bettas in 10 gallons or greater and had great success with them. My bettas swim across the air bubbles from the bubble wand...all day! :eek:

...but he seems to enjoy it and this perticular betta is 4 years old so I must be doing something right! :D