Evie Summers
Bettas are known to sleep like they're dead, often in weird spots, leaving owners worried. They can't close their eyes, so it's easy to mistake death for sleeping. If your betta is sleeping, it will be breathing and its gills will be moving. If it's dead, it won't be moving its gills. Other signs of illness or stress in bettas include loss of appetite, clamped fins, labouring to breathe, loss of colour, and lethargy.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Gills | Moving: Sleeping. Not moving: Dead |
| Movement | Moving: Sleeping. Lack of movement: Dead |
| Colour | Bright and vibrant: Healthy. Fading or dull: Sick or dying |
| Appetite | Healthy appetite: Normal. Loss of appetite: Sick or dying |
| Fins | Relaxed and flowing: Normal. Clamped: Distress |
| Breathing | Easy breathing: Normal. Laboured breathing: Sick or dying |
| Position | Sleeping on plants at the surface: Normal. Sleeping at the bottom of the tank: Lack of sleep or ageing |
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What You'll Learn
Check if your betta is breathing by looking at its gills
If your betta fish appears to be sleeping, it can be distressing for owners to wonder if their pet is dead or alive. One way to check is to observe the gills of your betta fish. Bettas can breathe air and have gills that enable them to absorb oxygen dissolved in the water.
If your betta is sleeping, its gills will be gently moving, and it will be breathing slowly and calmly. If you notice that your betta's gills are not moving, this could be a sign that it is dead. However, it is important to be cautious when checking, as tapping on the glass can be extremely loud and annoying for the fish, and it can even cause them stress.
If your betta is breathing heavily, this could be a sign of stress or shock. In this case, you should turn off the aquarium lights and let your betta rest. Check the water temperature, chemistry, and oxygen levels, and ensure that your betta is not being bullied by an incompatible tank mate. If your betta is floating at the top of the tank, this could be a sign of a swim bladder disorder, which can be caused by gulping air at the surface.
In addition, if your betta is breathing heavily, it could be a sign of an infection or illness, such as Ich, velvet, dropsy, or swim bladder disorders. Parasites like gill flukes and anchor worms can also cause acute rapid breathing and require prompt treatment. If you notice any of these issues, it is important to seek veterinary advice and treat the underlying condition.
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Tap the glass gently to see if it moves
If you're concerned about your betta fish and are unsure if it's dead or sleeping, one way to find out is to gently tap the glass to see if it moves. This method can be effective, as demonstrated in several accounts of betta fish owners who were able to confirm their fish was just sleeping after tapping on the glass.
However, it's worth noting that some fish owners have also shared that their bettas did not respond to gentle taps. In such cases, it's advisable to look for other signs of life, such as gill movement or breathing. Checking the gills can be a helpful indicator, as betta fish breathe by taking in oxygen through their gills, even when they appear to be resting. If the gills are moving, your betta is likely just sleeping.
While gently tapping on the glass can be a way to check on your betta, some fish owners have expressed concerns about the potential impact of this action. They suggest that tapping on the glass may be loud and annoying for the fish due to the pressure and sound waves in the water. Additionally, it is recommended to observe other behavioural and physical indicators to determine your betta's health and energy levels.
Betta fish are known to slow down as they age, and they may spend more time resting at the bottom of the tank or on plants. They may also become less active and have a decreased appetite. However, if you notice more concerning signs, such as labour breathing, clamped fins, loss of colour, or visible signs of disease, these could indicate distress or underlying health issues.
In summary, gently tapping the glass can be one way to check if your betta fish is dead or sleeping. However, it's important to also consider other factors, such as gill movement, breathing, and overall behaviour, to ensure the well-being of your pet.
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Observe if it's losing colour or not eating
If your betta fish is losing its colour, it could be a sign of illness or stress. Colour loss can be a symptom of a fungal infection or ich, which is a common fish disease. If you suspect your fish is sick, it is important to monitor its behaviour and look for other signs of illness, such as lethargy, refusal to eat, or abnormal swimming patterns.
Healthy betta fish are typically eager to eat and don't miss meals. If your betta is not eating, it could be a sign of illness or stress. Try offering a variety of foods, such as crushed pellets or bloodworms, to see if that stimulates their appetite. It is also important to ensure that your fish's food is suitable and of good quality.
If your betta fish is losing its colour and not eating, there are a few steps you can take to try to improve its health. Firstly, ensure that the water parameters are optimal, including the correct temperature, pH, and ammonia levels. The water should be clean and changed regularly, especially in smaller tanks. Consider adding a small spoonful of aquarium salt to the water, as this can act as a disinfectant.
It is also important to provide your betta fish with a suitable living environment. A larger tank, preferably at least 5 gallons, can help maintain stable water conditions and reduce the frequency of water changes. A heater is also recommended to maintain the ideal temperature range of 76-81 degrees Fahrenheit. Additionally, consider adding a filter and an air stone to improve water quality and oxygenation.
If your betta fish's condition does not improve or you suspect a serious illness, it is best to consult an exotic fish veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment. They can help identify more obscure diseases and provide access to prescription medications if needed.
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Check if it's struggling to swim or breathe
If your betta fish is struggling to swim or breathe, it could be dealing with temperature shock or swim bladder disease. Adjust the tank temperature slowly and reduce the water flow to make it easier for your fish to swim. If your betta is floating upside down or sideways, it could be a sign of swim bladder dysfunction or neurological issues. In some cases, this can be corrected with dietary adjustments, such as feeding your betta a cooked pea to ease constipation. However, if the problem persists, it is likely a sign of a serious illness.
Another possible reason for your betta's struggling to swim or breathe could be an underlying bacterial, fungal, or parasitic infection. Fin rot, caused by bacterial infections, can lead to frayed, blackened, or fallen-off fins. If left untreated, fin rot can contribute to the decline of your betta's health. Visible signs of disease, such as lesions, ulcers, or white cotton-like patches on the skin, are serious indications that your betta may be in its final stage of life.
Additionally, Bettas are naturally curious and lively, exploring their tank and flaring their fins. If your betta is dying, it will likely become lethargic, spending most of its time at the bottom of the tank or resting on plants and decorations. A sudden loss of appetite or refusal to eat can also be a red flag. Usually, Bettas eagerly swim to the top of the tank when it's feeding time. If your betta is not displaying its fins in a relaxed, flowing manner, or is instead clamping its fins tightly against its body, it could be a clear indicator of distress.
If you notice your betta struggling to breathe, it could be a sign of something more serious. Bettas are labyrinth fish, which means they have a special organ that allows them to breathe air from the surface. If your betta is constantly gasping for air or struggling to breathe, it's a sign that something is wrong and requires immediate attention.
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Look for signs of distress, like clamped fins
If you're unsure whether your betta fish is dead or sleeping, it's important to look for signs of distress. One of the most common signs of stress in betta fish is clamped fins, where the fish holds its fins tightly against its body, giving it a hunched appearance. This is a defensive posture that indicates fear or discomfort and may be a sign that your betta needs more hiding spots or a less stressful environment.
In addition to clamped fins, there are several other signs of distress in betta fish that you should look out for. One of the most obvious signs is a lack of colour. Betta fish are known for their bright, vibrant colours, so if your fish appears washed out or dull, it may be a sign that it is stressed. Another sign of stress is skittish swimming behaviour, such as constantly darting around the tank or gliding up and down the tank's glass as if trying to escape, also known as "glass surfing".
If your betta fish is stressed, it may also spend more time lying on the tank's bottom or hiding in a corner. It may become less active and refuse to eat or eat very little, which can lead to malnutrition and other health issues. Stress can also cause physical changes in betta fish, such as ripped fins or stress stripes, which are horizontal stripes along their bodies that can be light or dark depending on the colour of the fish.
To reduce stress in your betta fish, it's important to provide a comfortable and safe environment. This includes maintaining good water quality, as high amounts of ammonia, nitrite, or nitrate, as well as low oxygen levels, high pH, or abrupt temperature changes, can all contribute to stress. Additionally, betta fish are solitary animals and require a private area to survive, so overcrowding can lead to stress, aggressive behaviour, and competition for resources.
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Frequently asked questions
Check if its gills are moving. If they are, it's probably sleeping. Bettas can't close their eyes, so they'll look like they're awake even when they're not.
Bettas often rest at the bottom of the tank, especially if they're older. If it's not moving its gills, it might have passed on.
If your betta is dead, you may notice its colour has faded or become dull, or that it has patches of pale skin. Other signs include a loss of appetite, clamped fins, and labouring to breathe.
If your betta is no longer moving its gills, it has likely passed on. You should gently remove it from the tank and flush it away.
