Is it normal for a betta to "rest" on the bottom of the tank?

[DSquad4]

I'm new to bettas. I got mine a few days ago and everything has been going swimmingly. However, the past few nights I've noticed that he lays on the bottom of the tank and sort of "breathes" heavily for long periods at a time. Only after getting his attention does he get up and start swimming around again. He doesn't seem or look sick, and has been pretty active except for when he lays down (usually at night). Is this normal?

[CJR66204]

whats the temp of the tank? it should be around 76-80, ad they do need there rest too

[DSquad4]

Temp is a little over 76 degrees

[DSquad4]

Could the fact that he's been a bit stressed out have to do with it? He's been fighting with his own reflection almost nonstop for the past 2 days. His fins are beginning to droop; the don't look nearly as fanned out as they do in my avatar and I took that picture only 3 days ago.

[tnvol]

Mine lays on the bottom all the time. I've been told this is normal behavior.

[Tikibirds]

No, it is not normal behavior. They are pretty active fish and only lay at the bottom for long periods of time if something is wrong. However, it is normal for them to rest on the bottom for a little bit. Sometimes they also rest by floating at the surface BUT if that is all they do, then yes - something is not right someplace.

1) how big is the tank
2) Is there a filter
3) how often and how much are the ater changes
4) tank mates
5) so you use water conditioner?

He's been fighting with his own reflection almost nonstop for the past 2 days

It's possible if he has been doing it almost non stop. Does the tank have a light on? If there are no live plants, leave the light off and see if he gets better. I have one guy that did that because with the light on, he could see his reflection and would flare at it non stop. If I keep the light off, he still gets light from the window but he can;t see his reflection as much so no more flaring.

It could also be a water quality issue -

[DSquad4]

Originally Posted by Tikibirds

1) how big is the tank
2) Is there a filter
3) how often and how much are the ater changes
4) tank mates
5) so you use water conditioner?

1) It's a 2.5 gallon. It's temporary until I can make space for a larger tank.
2) Yes
3) 20% every other day. Have only had him for about a week.
4) None, but I do have some live plants.
5) Yes - Aqueon Betta Bowl Plus


I guess he doesn't lay there for too long at a time...and he'll get up every so often to swim to the surface for air before laying back down again. He only does it at night time. Every morning I wake up and find him swimming around just fine.

[SpeakNow13]

Sometimes mine sits on the bottom if hes too cold. The fighting with his reflection may have something to do with it too it can stress them out. I put wrapping paper on the sides and back of my tank since I cant afford a background and it fixed it :)

[finnfinnfriend]

Mine sleeps on the bottom at night. I don't think that is a problem. They sleep at night like us.

[DSquad4]

Originally Posted by finnfinnfriend

Mine sleeps on the bottom at night. I don't think that is a problem. They sleep at night like us.

I hope that's all that it is!