Fish sleeping on their sides at the top of the water?

[Zoonoo]

Today I went to Petco to pick up some stuff for Gawain (poor thing has mysteriously managed to totally shred his fins ) and I saw the weirdest thing. At least ten or fifteen of the bettas they had on display were laying on their sides at the top of their cups. I of course assumed they were dead, but when I got closer to take a look at one, it flipped right over and started swimming around like nothing was wrong. The others did the same thing!

I'm just totally curious as to why they were doing that.

[LeoTheLakerBetta]

It is probably a mild case of SBD. I got a betta a long time ago and the first day I had the little fella he was so lethargic and would just lay at the top on his side. The next day he was a little better and only when he slept he would be on his side. The next day he was way better and swimming very slowly around his tank and eating. He was very thin and pale but with food he got a lot better.

I guess they are just weak; some food and good water might fix em up.

[jsgossamer]

They dont change the water in those cups so all the bettas are half dead. They are floating in a cup of ammonia. Petco is a horrible place.