Sick betta? Signs to watch and what to do first
"Why is my betta lying at the bottom?" is one of the most common messages we get. Most sick bettas get better when the owner acts early and keeps the water clean. This guide shows the 6 signs to watch for, the first aid you can do today, and what usually causes the problem in the first place.
MomoWorried about Hanabi today
HanabiHer red and blue halfmoon betta
6 warning signs to message us about
If you see any of these, don't wait a week to see if it passes. Small problems are much easier to fix.
Not eating
Refuses food for 2 days or more.
Lying at the bottom
Fins held tight to the body.
White spots
Like grains of salt on body or fins.
Torn fins
Ragged or "melting" edges.
Swollen belly
Scales stick out like a pinecone.
Gasping
Stays at the surface all the time.
What to do today
- Change the water. Use tap water treated with anti-chlorine, at the same temperature as the tank. Pour it in slowly.
- Stop feeding for a day. It gives the water and the fish a rest.
- Check where the tank is. Keep it indoors, away from aircon, electric fans, windows and direct sun.
- Send us a photo or video on Messenger. We'll help you work out what's wrong.
A short video helps the shop more than a long message. Show how I swim and what my fins look like.
Fin rot, white spots, swim bladder: what they look like
These are the names you'll see online. Here's how each one shows up in the tank.
Fin edges look torn, ragged or "melting".
Small white dots like grains of salt on the body or fins.
The betta floats on its side, sinks, or struggles to stay level. Often follows overfeeding.
Swollen belly, and the scales stick out like a pinecone when you look from above.
We don't sell medicine for these. For any of them, start with the steps above: change the water with anti-chlorine, stop feeding for a day, and send us a short video on Messenger. We'll tell you what to do next.
Most sickness starts with food and water
Overfeeding is the #1 reason bettas get sicka betta's stomach is about the size of its eye
- 2–3 pellets, 1–2 times a day. Less is better.
- Remove leftovers after 5 minutes so the water stays clean.
- Skip feeding 1 day a week.
Change water on a schedulethe smaller the tank, the more often
- 4×6×8, 6×6×8 or 2.5 gal tank: change half the water every 3 days.
- 5 gal with a gentle filter: change about 1/4 of the water once a week.
- Never use soap on the tank or decor. Rinse with plain water.
I keep a small bottle of anti-chlorine next to the tank so I never skip it.
Questions customers ask us
Why is my betta lying at the bottom?
Resting on a leaf or the bottom for a short time can be normal. If it stays there with fins held tight to the body, that's a warning sign. Change the water, stop feeding for a day, and send us a video.
My betta won't eat. What should I do?
If it refuses food for 2 days or more, message us. Remove uneaten food after 5 minutes so it doesn't dirty the water.
What is the most common cause of betta sickness?
Overfeeding, and the dirty water that comes from leftover food. Feed 2–3 pellets 1–2 times a day and skip one day a week.
Can I use tap water?
Yes, but always add anti-chlorine (water conditioner) first, every time.
Is my betta sleeping or sick?
See our guide Is my betta OK? for what normal looks like.
The cartoons show our characters Momo and Hanabi. This guide is general care advice from our shop, not a vet diagnosis.