Why does my betta keep going to the surface?

Lack of oxygen in the water will cause your fish to swim to the surface to breathe; the concentration of dissolved oxygen is highest here. As soon as you notice that most of the fish are gasping for air near the surface, act immediately because this is a clear sign of distress.

What stresses a betta fish?

Some of the most common causes of fish stress in aquariums include: Elevated ammonia and nitrate levels due to infrequent water changes, which is the main cause of stressed goldfish. pH fluctuation due to the exhaustion of mineral buffers. Fluctuations in water temperature, which is the main cause of stressed Betta …

Why is my betta fish at the top of the tank?

But if your Betta Fish is near the top all the time and getting oxygen from the air this is a sign that your Betta is in poor water conditions. This can be an easy fix though, start by making sure your tank is clean.

Why is my Betta sick all the time?

A huge contributor to betta illness is a dirty tank. If a betta is fed frequently but does not receive regular water changes, nutrients and waste build up in the bettas tank and allow bacteria, ammonia, and even parasites to thrive. So, if your betta is ill, move your fish to a quarantine tank and thoroughly clean his old tank.

How do Betta’s survive in dirty water?

Betta splendens and their air breathing relatives were able to flourish where other fish would die. It makes them one of the tougher fish for dealing with dirty water, although that is never a license to expose them to less then ideal conditions. It’s how they grow in those tiny jars.

What does it mean when a betta is gasping for air?

If your fish is gasping for air, lying on his or her side, and unable to move, a fungal or bacterial infection may be the issue. Check for sores, bulging eyes, white spots, fuzzy areas, fin rot, or other signs that your betta may be fighting a disease. A huge contributor to betta illness is a dirty tank.