2007-03-05 04:40:35 · 8 answers · asked by Tell me why???? 1 in Pets ➔ Fish
Because they can, and do. Bettas are adapted to live in areas with shallow water with very little current - which is why they can breathe air. In times to drought, they sometimes need to "jump" to find food, cleaner water, to spawn, etc.
Your betta could be jumping because his tank is too small, or because it's dirty (test for ammonia and nitrites - both should be ZERO), or because he's a jumper.
You do need a safe, secure lid - just make sure it's ventilated.
2007-03-05 04:53:01 · answer #1 · answered by Zoe 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Bettas do NOT live in tiny puddles of water that they have to jump between to look for food and mates - they live in the river tributaries of the Mekong Delta of Thailand. They can be found in the feeder cannals into rice paddies as well. These tributaries are relatively shallow (you could wade in them, sometimes up to a tall man's waist) and heavily planted. Bettas do jump and "strike" at their food because they are carnivores and eat mosquitoes, fruit flies, etc. They perch in the leaves and wait for an unsuspecting bug to land and "pounce"! Occasionally, in the very dry seasons, a betta may find him or herself in a small pond and may try to jump for it - but that is not the norm.
My betta, Claude, actually strikes at his food in the tank I have him in occasionally. I've created an environment that simulates a more natural habitat for him and he has wonderful behaviours - far more interesting, I think, than the typical betta in a small bowl just sitting there.
Definately keep a cover over the tank, whatever the size. Keep the water clean, too, since sometimes poor water quality will cause a betta to jump and hope for the best for a better life!
2007-03-05 09:50:14 · answer #2 · answered by nightngle 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've had many bettas and the only time I had one jump out of the tank on me was when I was trying to catch it to change the water. Fear was the driving force at that time. Other than that I've never had one that has jumped out of it's tank.
Don't put a top on the tank unless you have another source of air for the fish. Bettas breath from the top of the water!
2007-03-05 04:46:08 · answer #3 · answered by prettybird 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
they jump when they see food above, or think they see food, if you don't have a lid and the water level is close to the rim, out they plop.
they may also jump if they're spooked or stressed out, or if the tank is too small or if the water conditions are bad.
2007-03-05 04:44:32 · answer #4 · answered by catx 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They tend to be fish that jump. You might want to put a top on your tank to stop this.
2007-03-05 04:44:25 · answer #5 · answered by Veneta T 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Mine always flare before the jump, so I figure they are attacking their own reflection? Will jump at food also but not quite as aggressive. Do need to be covered in small tank. Good Luck..><>:)
2007-03-05 04:48:42 · answer #6 · answered by PaPa Norm 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Betta come from an area that have sallow ponds! they say that Betta's would jump from one to the other to look for food and potential mates!
2007-03-05 05:05:03 · answer #7 · answered by Roni Lynn 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They're lively lil' buggers.
2007-03-05 05:27:49 · answer #8 · answered by Mighty C 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋