Ashwin Lewis
Bettas, or Siamese fighting fish, are a popular choice for aquariums. They are known for their vibrant colours and unique fins, but one interesting fact about them is that they can sleep without oxygen. Bettas are one of the few fish that can sleep out of water. They can breathe oxygen from the surface of the tank or the air, but only for a short period and while remaining moist. Bettas sleep with their eyes open, appearing extremely still, and may lose colour. They sleep in short bursts, for around 8-14 hours a day, usually at night. Bettas choose their sleeping spots based on where they feel safe, often in odd places like behind the filter intake pipe or on aquarium plants.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sleep duration | 6-14 hours everyday |
| Sleep patterns | Short bursts throughout the night |
| Sleeping positions | Floating, on their side, vertically with their head down, etc. |
| Sleeping locations | In or on tank ornaments, on aquarium plants, nestled into the tank substrate, etc. |
| Sleeping environment | Dark |
| Sleeping indicators | Loss of color, stillness |
| Sleep function | Recharge, repair, strengthen immune system |
| Sleep deprivation | Behavioral changes, slow and sluggish movement, erratic behavior, weakened immune system |
| Breathing | Bettas can draw oxygen from the surface of the tank |
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What You'll Learn
Bettas can sleep out of water
Bettas are one of the few fish that can sleep out of water. Unlike regular fish, they can breathe by drawing oxygen from the surface of the tank, just like humans. However, they cannot do this for long periods and must remain moist the entire time they are above the water. Bettas can sleep on aquarium plants that are close to the surface of the water.
Bettas require sleep to recharge and repair their bodies, just like any other living creature. They should sleep for around 8 to 14 hours every night. Bettas may appear still, floating, or resting in various positions during their sleep. They do not have eyelids, so their eyes remain open while they sleep. Bettas may lose their colour when sleeping, which is speculated to be a defence mechanism to make them less visible to predators.
Bettas are territorial and do not sleep for extended periods. They may sleep in short bursts throughout the night, and each betta may have its preferred sleeping positions and locations. Bettas choose where to sleep based on where they feel safe. They may sleep in or on tank ornaments, on aquarium plants, nestled into the tank substrate, or just floating in place. Bettas can also sleep on their sides, vertically with their heads down, or burrowed into the substrate.
Bettas likely sleep at night because, in the wild, they depend on differences in light and colour to find prey. Bettas may sleep during the day if something is interrupting their sleep at night, such as cold temperatures or too much light in the aquarium. Bettas prefer to nap in the shade during the day, and total darkness at night will ensure a comfortable sleep.
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Bettas can breathe air
Bettas are one of a few fish that can sleep out of water. They can draw oxygen from the surface of the tank, and even the air above it. Bettas have gills, like other fish, but they also have a specialized organ called a labyrinth organ, which allows them to breathe air.
The labyrinth organ is primarily used to allow bettas to survive in low-oxygen environments. In the wild, bettas inhabit shallow, murky waters that are often stagnant and oxygen-deprived. These waters release oxygen much faster than cold water, and the lack of surface agitation contributes to an oxygen-deprived environment.
Over time, bettas became so dependent on their ability to breathe air that their gills became less efficient at absorbing oxygen from the water. Now, bettas are considered "obligate air breathers", as they cannot physically absorb enough oxygen from the water to sustain themselves, even if the water is well-aerated.
Bettas can live out of water for a short time, but they must remain moist. They choose where they sleep based on where they feel safe. In their natural habitat, they like to hide among the leaves of plants or find caves. Bettas sleep in short bursts throughout the night, and they don't sleep for extended periods due to their territorial nature.
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Bettas need 8-14 hours of sleep
Bettas require a substantial amount of sleep to stay healthy, with their sleep patterns being dictated primarily by light conditions. In the wild, bettas are accustomed to sleeping at night and remaining active during the day, following the sun's natural light and dark cycle.
To ensure your betta gets adequate rest, it is recommended to provide a proper day and night cycle in their aquarium, typically 8-12 hours of light and 12-16 hours of darkness. This can be achieved by using aquarium lights that are bright enough and on for long enough during the day, simulating a natural rhythm with softer lighting during the first and last hours.
Bettas are known to be light sleepers and may take short naps during the day, in addition to their nighttime sleep. They do not have eyelids, so their eyes remain open while they sleep, and they may exhibit various sleeping positions, such as floating, resting on their side, or burrowing into substrate.
The amount of sleep a betta needs can vary, with some requiring as little as six hours and others needing up to nine hours. However, on average, bettas should aim for around 12-14 hours of sleep each day, including daytime naps. This sleep duration is crucial for their health, as a well-rested betta will be healthier and happier.
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Bettas sleep with their eyes open
Bettas do sleep, and they sleep with their eyes open. Bettas are one of a few fish that can sleep out of the water. They can draw oxygen from the surface of the tank and breathe just like humans. However, they cannot do this for long periods and must remain moist. Bettas can also sleep in the water, and they may appear still, floating, or resting in various positions. They do not have eyelids, so their eyes remain open while they sleep.
Bettas may sleep in short bursts throughout the day and night, and they do not sleep for extended periods due to their territorial nature. They may have preferred sleeping positions and locations, so it is essential to observe their behavior and provide suitable resting spots, such as big leaves, betta hammocks, or betta logs. Bettas might also take naps during the daytime, but most will sleep more at night.
It is important to note that bettas need sleep, just like humans, and a well-rested betta is a happy betta. Sleep helps them recharge, repair, and stay strong. Without enough sleep, a betta's behavior may change, and they may become slow, sluggish, and more susceptible to disease. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that bettas have a comfortable and undisturbed sleeping environment, with low lighting or total darkness at night, to promote healthy sleep patterns.
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Bettas can sleep in odd places including behind the filter intake pipe
Bettas are one of a few fish that can sleep out of water. They can breathe oxygen from the surface of the tank and do not need to move when they are asleep. Bettas can sleep in odd places, including behind the filter intake pipe. Bettas love resting on things, and they choose where to sleep based on where they feel safe.
If you notice your betta resting against the filter intake valve, it is recommended to put a plant or sponge in front of the filter to block the suction. You can also use a filter sponge or aquarium batting to hold it there and further block the suction. If you notice your betta is being sucked onto the filter, it could mean that it is growing weak. In this case, it is recommended to check your water quality and cycle your tank.
Bettas may also sleep on their side, in or on tank ornaments, on aquarium plants, nestled into the tank substrate, or floating in place. They may even lose colour when sleeping, which is speculated to be a defence mechanism to make them less visible to predators. Bettas need around 12-14 hours of sleep each day, and they may take naps during the day. Bettas prefer to nap in the shade during the day and in total darkness at night.
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Frequently asked questions
Bettas are one of a few fish that can sleep out of water. They can breathe oxygen from the surface of the tank and can also breathe air. Bettas have a labyrinth organ that allows them to survive in low-oxygen environments.
Bettas should sleep for around 8-14 hours every night. They sleep in short bursts and don't sleep for long periods due to their territorial nature.
Bettas become extremely still when they sleep, but their eyes stay open because they don't have eyelids. They may also lose colour when sleeping, which is speculated to be a defence mechanism.
Bettas prefer to nap in the shade during the day, and total darkness at night will ensure a comfortable sleep. Bettas may also sleep in or on tank ornaments, on aquarium plants, or nestled into the tank substrate. They also dislike too much water current, so ensure the filter is producing enough aeration to churn the surface of the tank.
