Abnormal Betta Fish Behavior [7 Differences You Must Know]

It’s not that hard to find the abnormal behavior of betta fishes.

There are 7 different kinds of abnormal betta fish behavior you should be aware of.

You should know the difference between normal and abnormal behavior of betta fish when kept in a fish tank.

Recognize These Following Abnormal Betta Fish Behaviors

1. They may swim up the side of the tank

Your betta may swim up the side of the tank, which is very unusual behavior for betta fish.

It’s normal for bettas to swim along the bottom of the tank.

But, when a betta fish swims up the side of the tank, it means they have lost the ability to swim.

Sometimes, they swim up the side of the tank for safety.

They may do this when they feel uncomfortable or scared.

The reason for this is that the betta is sick.

This is a very dangerous situation for the betta fish because the betta will not be able to breathe properly.

WHAT TO DO:

If you have a large betta fish tank, then it’s better to place it on a slanted angle.

This will prevent your betta from swimming up the side of the tank.

2. They may stop swimming and float on the surface

Your betta fish may stop swimming and float on the surface of the water.

This is a very unusual behavior for betta fish.

Usually, bettas are very active.

They swim all the time.

But, when they stop swimming, it means they have stopped eating and drinking.

Usually, they stop swimming when they are sick.

They may also do this for a few days before they die.

WHAT TO DO:

If you notice your betta fish has stopped swimming, it’s better to get them to a veterinarian.

If your betta is very young, you can try to feed them a little more often.

This will help them to regain their energy.

If your betta is older, you should try to make them swim again.

3. They may jump out of the water

As an abnormal behavior sometimes your betta fish may jump out of the water.

This is an abnormal behavior because bettas usually like to stay in the water.

When a betta fish jumps out of the water, it means that they are scared or sick.

It’s very important to make sure your betta is healthy.

WHAT TO DO:

If your betta fish jumps out of the water, then you should clean the tank and add some water.

4. They may bite their tail fin

This is surely an unusual behavior when they bite their tail fin.

Usually, bettas will bite their tail fin when they are in distress.

They may do this because they are not comfortable with their environment.

They may also do this because they feel scared.

They may bite their tail fin because they are trying to release stress.

WHAT TO DO:

You should keep your betta in a safe environment.

Make sure you watch your fish frequently.

5. They may not eat

If your betta fish stops eating, then you should be very concerned.

Usually, bettas eat all the time.

They should be eating and drinking all the time.

If your betta is not eating, then you should be very concerned.

They may stop eating because they are sick.

They may also do this when they are very stressed.

You should check their water for parasites.

WHAT TO DO:

If your betta is not eating and drinking, then it’s best to feed your betta regularly.

Also, make sure you clean the tank on a regular basis.

If your betta is very young, you should feed them more often.

6. They may not respond to light

If your betta fish does not respond to light, then you should be very concerned.

Usually, bettas should be swimming around in the water.

They should be chasing after food.

They should be very active.

If your betta is not doing this, then you should be very concerned.

WHAT TO DO:

If your betta is not responding to light, then you should make sure that you have a bright light in the tank.

7. They may not respond to touch

Betta fish will start hating the touch of people.

This is an abnormal behavior because usually bettas love being touched by people.

They will usually start swimming when they are touched.

They will usually be active when they are touched.

If your betta is not responding to touch, then you should be very concerned.

You can easily identify the abnormal behavior of betta fish by watching them closely.

Once you know what the abnormal betta fish behavior is, you can make sure you don’t buy one.

WHAT TO DO: 

If your betta is not responding to touch, then you should be very careful when you touch your betta.

You should be very gentle when you touch your betta.

FAQ’s