Help with my Beta Fish?

Question

I'm not sure whats wrong with my Beta fish, she just kinda sits at the bottom of the tank all day but when I tap on the tank she starts swimming real fast but she cant really balance herself. She doesnt eat, I feed her but she wont go to the top to eat the food. Anyone know what could be wrong? I dont see any fungus or holes in her fins.
Thanks in advance :)

Answer 1

What's the temperature? Bettas are tropical and should have water between 76-86oF. If the temperature is too high or low, they become lethargic and eat much less.

Also, are you keeping her in a tank or bowl? In a bowl, there's not much else for them to do. The smaller water volume also lets ammonia and nitrite build up faster and either of these also affects your fish's behavior by making them lethargic and lose their appetite.

I keep my bettas in 2.5-5 gallon tanks with a filter and heater. I add some gravel, driftwood, and live or silk plants, sometimes a tankmate if the betta accepts one. I never seem to have problems with mine not being active - they like to explore around the tank. This is the type of tank I use: http://www.thatpetplace.com/pet/group/22435/product.web - I like the variety of colors these come in and I can match them to the betta or room where the tank is going.

Answer 2

First of all, don't tap on the tank. It stresses the fish, and stressed fish are unhealthy fish. Second, your betta is almost certainly a "he" unless you specifically bought a female. Third, how big is the tank? It should be at least two gallons, and bettas need a heater to be healthy.

Also, if your betta is new, he might not eat for a few days while he gets used to his new surroundings. DON'T let uneaten food stay in the tank--it'll rot and could kill your fish. Also, don't overfeed--3-4 pellets 6 days a week is fine.

You should always do research before getting a fish, especially a betta, since there are so many misconceptions about them.

Answer 3

Swim Bladder Disorder

Another very common disease that betta’s may get is swim bladder disorder. This actually comes as a result from feeding them too much. This disease is not contagious, and as a general rule it affects the younger bettas if they have eaten to much or have become very stressed.

If you see a betta that is having a hard time swimming, seems off balance, or prefers to just lay near the bottom, there is a good chance they are suffering from swim bladder disorder. Many times you will see them just sliding along on the bottom of the tank as well.

Many times you will find that your betta will recover by himself, but it is probably a good idea to not feed them as much for a few days. It is also helpful to eliminate brine shrimp from their diet as well, as this can actually cause part of the problem. In the future, try to be sure that you feed your fish a balanced diet to prevent this from happening again.

Answer 4

I don't think its a problem because i also ave a beta fish and it does the exact same thing! Oh and when you talked about balance, it's probably scared when you tap it and when your nervous or shocked it loses control of what your fish is doing. It's probably the water too that makes her swim uneven! or it might have swim bladder disorder, like he said it might recover its self!Good Luck with your beta fish! :D