Is my Beta depressed?

Question

for a couple of days now my beta has been just sitting on the bottom of his bowl, he still comes up to eat and breath but other than that he does not do much else, and when he does swim around it is rather slow, he is in a 1 1/2 gallon tank, water temp is standard conditions, and has %50 water clean out each week, please let me know if it is sick or just depressed?

he is in a tank, w/ an air filter, the water is 76 degrees, he does have an ange eater in there with him, and for some reason he seems to be perking up again, i moved the shells that were in his tank around, and now he is way more active, do beta's hate change or something?

Answer 1

Most likely he is sick, or cold. Betta get lethargic below 75, and tend to die a below 65. Also if you don't have a filter remove him to a cup, rinse the gravel out, and replace all of the water. Just be sure the water in the cup feels the same temp and the new water.

Also check out the betta talk disease page, and then reexamine the betta.

Answer 2

Get a better tank. Have u seen the stores where they keep bettas in cups? they look depressed because theres not enough room for them to swim happily in. my suggestion is a 10 gallon tank. my betta loves it!your betta could also be sick... 1 1/2 gallon fish bowls dont maintain heat very well...plus, i dont think a heater can fit in 1.LOL

Answer 3

Prob needs a bigger tank.

And what does standard conditions mean in re: water temp?

If I'm not mistaken, the water should be warm. Like 77-80 degrees ( I think that's what I read before).

If the water is too cold, then they will not be as active.

Answer 4

I agree with sassy, he needs a bigger tank

Answer 5

If he's depressed, go to your local pet store and buy another fish so he can have someone to play with.

Answer 6

use filtered water or take it to the doc's.

Answer 7

because he's not happy!