Stressed Fish Behavior

[KukaaKatchou]

What are the signs that your betta is stressed (pre-illness). My betta is currently hovering near the top of his home and looking out at me. He does back away a bit if I put my hand close to the side. Do stressed fish hide under plants, swim around frantically, flare a lot? I would love to know the signs I should watch out for.

[Ajones108]

He's just getting used to his new surroundings. :) In a few days he'll quit "corner surfing." However, signs of a stressed fish could be very, very heavy "breathing," clamped fins, frantic diving into gravel and/or decor, sunk to the bottom laying on one side for prolonged amounts of time, discoloration, etc.

[KukaaKatchou]

so if he's cruising around the top and in and out of plants and comes over to look at me, this is a good sign? :)

[Lion Mom]

Originally Posted by KukaaKatchou

so if he's cruising around the top and in and out of plants and comes over to look at me, this is a good sign? :)

Yes, I would say it's a good sign.

[luv2run21]

give him some stress releiver and crank up the heat a little bit if he gets worse