Is my betta OK? Normal betta behaviour explained
New betta owners often message us late at night: "Is he sleeping or sick?" Bettas do a few things that look strange the first time you see them. This guide shows what's normal, what's a good sign, and when to message us.
MomoWatching Hanabi a little too closely
HanabiJust resting, thank you
A bubble nest means a happy, healthy male
A patch of small bubbles at the top of the water, often under a leaf, is a bubble nest. Male bettas build them when they feel comfortable.
It's fine if the nest breaks during a water change. He can always build a new one.
No nest doesn't mean I'm sad. Some days I'm just not in the mood to build.
What you see, and what it means
Normal. Bettas rest, and a leaf near the top is a favourite spot. Watch for fins held tight to the body.
Normal, and fun to watch. Don't keep a mirror in the tank all day.
Normal. Bettas also breathe air from the surface. That's why the lid needs a small air gap.
A warning sign. Change the water and message us.
Warning signs. See Sick betta? What to do first.
What a betta needs to stay at his best
- Room temperature, 25–30 °C. Normal PH rooms are fine, no heater needed.
- Keep the tank indoors, away from aircon, electric fans, windows and direct sun.
- Soft plants and a leaf to rest on. Avoid sharp decor that tears fins.
- 2–3 pellets, 1–2 times a day. Skip one day a week.
- Clean, treated water on a schedule.
Healthy bettas at our shop
Bright colour, open fins and a good appetite: this is what our bettas look like on a normal day.
Questions customers ask us
Does a bubble nest mean my betta is happy?
Yes. A bubble nest is a sign of a happy, healthy male.
Should I remove the bubble nest?
No need to remove it, but it's fine if it breaks during a water change. He can build a new one.
Is my betta sleeping or dead?
Bettas rest, often on a leaf or near the bottom. Turn on the light and wait a minute: a resting betta moves its gills and wakes up. If it stays still with fins clamped, change the water and message us.
Why is my betta staying in the top corner?
Going up for air now and then is normal. Gasping at the surface all the time is a warning sign.
The cartoons show our characters Momo and Hanabi. The betta photos are real fish from our shop.