Fish laying on bottom in morning?

Question

Ok, I have an approximate 44 gal. tank with 3 mollys, 5 platys, 2 oto catfish, 2 fiddler crabs and a snail. My water readings are fine, nitrates a little elevated but still in safe zone (still haven't figured out why they are raised, overfeeding I think). My question is this: When I come in in the morning, I turn my light on across the room to let the poor fishes eyes adjust prior to my turning the tank light on. When I go to turn the tank light on, they seem to be "laying" (or floating, whichever), near the bottom and they stay there for a few minutes before they move up to eat. No visible signs of illness, eating fine, acting fine. Anyone have any thoughts on this? Are they just resting do you think? I can't figure it out. I should add that it is a planted tank, and at night I turn my airstone up to increase the oxygen level in the tank. During the day, I turn it down. Any ideas or suggestions would help. Thanks

Answer 1

This is not something that you should worry about. They are just resting. My fish do the same thing. They're really lethargic until the lights turn on and it's time for some food.

As long as the rest of the time they're acting normal, their fins aren't clamped, they're colorful, active, and eating well, you don't have anything to worry about.

Answer 2

The fish are just resting from the night before. Since these tend to rest on the bottom, my concern is that they may eventually get their fins torn up from the fiddler crabs.

I don't know what your tank set-up is like, but fiddlers should have a place so they are able to get out of the water completely, and they should also have salt added to their water (something the mollies and platys appreciate as well).


Nitrate can be a result of overfeeding, or built-up wastes accumulated in the gravel. You can also get these from dead plant leaves if you don't remove them. Some other possibilities are that you need to do water changes more frequently (should be each week) or a larger water volume (around 25% should be enough). And if you use tapwater as your water source for the tank, check it for nitrates too - in some areas, these can be found in the tapwater.

Answer 3

Your fish are resting. My fish do this too. If they do it during the day with the light on that might be a problem. It should be fine thought.

Answer 4

I know what you mean, mine tend to do the same thing. But it has been proven that fish do rest, although they don't "sleep", nor do they have eyes to close! Their rest is their sleep per say. Unless they are showing any other signs of illness, I wouldn't worry about it too much. I would guess that if we got chased non-stop by men, or you were a man chasing a woman non-stop, we'd be tired and need a rest too!! LOL

Your best bet is to keep a close watch, as usual. Good Luck!!! ;o)

Answer 5

That's how some fish sleep!